Actor Anant V Joshi has officially joined the cast of the fifth season of Gullak, taking over the pivotal role of Anand “Annu” Mishra. Joshi replaces Vaibhav Raj Gupta, who portrayed the eldest Mishra son across the show’s first four seasons. Known for his performances in Virgin Bhaskar and Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein, Joshi expressed that joining the series feels special as a long-time fan of the Mishras’ relatable world.
The upcoming season is expected to explore a more mature and evolving phase of Annu’s life as the character navigates new adulthood responsibilities. While the change in cast comes as a surprise to many fans, the rest of the core ensemble remains intact. Returning cast members include:
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Jameel Khan as the patriarch, Santosh Mishra.
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Geetanjali Kulkarni as Shanti Mishra, the family’s resilient mother.
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Harsh Mayar as the younger brother, Aman Mishra.
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Sunita Rajwar as the family’s outspoken neighbor.
Reports suggest that Vaibhav Raj Gupta’s exit was due to creative differences regarding his character’s trajectory in the new season. Despite the major shuffle, the show continues under the creative direction of Shreyansh Pandey and is produced by The Viral Fever (TVF). Narrated by the family’s iconic old piggy bank, the series has maintained a loyal following for its warmth and emotional authenticity since its 2019 debut.
Gullak Season 5 is scheduled to premiere exclusively on Sony LIV soon, with some industry reports hinting at a release as early as June 2026. As the Mishra family returns to the screen, fans are eager to see how Joshi interprets the beloved character of “Annu Bhaiya” in this new chapter. With the previous seasons consistently ranking among India’s most underrated yet beloved family dramas, the stakes for this transition remain high.