Sudhanshu Pandey, best known for his role as Vanraj Shah in the popular television drama "Anupamaa," recently shared a nostalgic anecdote from his early days as a model, recalling the time when Aishwarya Rai Bachchan praised him and predicted his success. In a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan, Pandey recounted the incident, expressing his gratitude for the recognition he received early in his career.

Pandey's journey into the world of modeling began in Nainital, where he stumbled upon an advertisement seeking a model for a Bombay-based magazine. Despite feeling it was a long shot, he decided to pursue the opportunity, leading him to Delhi for an audition at the young age of 18. With the support of his parents, he attended the audition and secured his first project.

His first job was a suitings campaign, which earned him Rs 25,000 in 1994, a significant amount for him at the time. This initial success opened doors to further opportunities, and his first print ad became a center spread in Time magazine, quickly elevating him to the top of the modeling industry. Pandey's talent and striking looks did not go unnoticed. He remembers Milind Soman praising his looks and calling them perfection. It was during this period of rapid ascent that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who was already a prominent figure in the industry, called him the next supermodel, further solidifying his position.

Pandey's career smoothly transitioned from modeling to acting. In 1998, he received his first television show offer for "Kanyadaan". He made his Bollywood debut opposite Akshay Kumar in "Khiladi 420" and has appeared in other films such as "Singh Is Kinng" and "Singham". He also featured in Pankaj Udhas's music video "Maikhane Se Sharab Se" from the album "Mahek". Currently, Sudhanshu is gaining appreciation for his portrayal of Vanraj, the on-screen husband of Rupali Ganguly, in "Anupamaa".

Sudhanshu's journey from a young man in Nainital to a successful model and actor is a testament to his determination and the support he received from his family. His story highlights the significance of seizing opportunities and the impact of encouragement from established figures in the industry. The praise from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan served as a significant endorsement early in his career, boosting his confidence and paving the way for his future success.