Anupamaa, the Star Plus show produced by Rajan Shahi and Deepa Shahi under Director's Kut Productions, has remained a powerhouse on Indian television since its premiere on July 13, 2020. Now in its fifth year, the series continues to captivate audiences with its compelling storytelling, emotional depth, and Rupali Ganguly’s stellar portrayal of the titular character, Anupamaa Joshi. Despite multiple cast changes and off-screen controversies, the show’s enduring popularity and Rupali’s steadfast leadership have kept it at the forefront of the TRP charts, though it recently faced competition from Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.
Rupali Ganguly, who returned to television after a seven-year hiatus to play Anupamaa, has become synonymous with the role. Her portrayal of a resilient Gujarati housewife navigating personal growth, family dynamics, and societal challenges has struck a chord with viewers, particularly homemakers, earning her widespread acclaim and the title of India’s highest-paid TV actress. India Today praised her for perfectly embodying the character, noting that the show’s blend of family values and modern outlook resonates deeply with audiences. The Print further lauded Anupamaa as a “feminist movement” for its relatable portrayal of women across generations.The show has not been without its challenges. Over the years, several key actors, including Sudhanshu Pandey (Vanraj Shah), Madalsa Sharma (Kavya Shah), Paras Kalnawat (Samar Shah), and Alisha Parveen (Raahi/Aadhya Kapadia), exited the series, often sparking rumors of friction with Rupali. Speculations swirled that Rupali’s influence led to these departures, with actors like Paras and Nidhi Shah hinting at issues such as trimmed scenes or lack of character growth. Madalsa Sharma faced trolling for allegedly calling Rupali “two-faced,” while Alisha Parveen’s abrupt replacement by Adrija Roy in October 2024 fueled further controversy. Rupali addressed these allegations, firmly denying any role in casting decisions, stating, “I have no authority over casting decisions or other major show developments. Such matters are entirely handled by Rajan Shahi and the channel.” Producer Rajan Shahi also defended her, calling her a “soft target” and praising her professionalism.Recent rumors of Rupali herself exiting the show after a 15-year leap introduced new leads, Shivam Khajuria (Prem Kothari) and Adrija Roy (Raahi), caused a stir among fans. Reports suggested her screen time was reduced to focus on a younger love triangle, leading to speculation of her departure within three months. However, Rupali swiftly dispelled these claims in an emotional statement, saying, “Anupamaa is not just a show for me; it’s an emotion, my second home… I opened the gate for this show, and I will remain part of it till the end.” Rajan Shahi echoed her sentiment, stating, “I can’t think of Anupamaa without her,” and dismissed the rumors as baseless. Fans rallied behind her, with many on social media asserting that the show’s essence lies in Rupali’s portrayal, warning that her exit could jeopardize its success.Despite a dip in TRPs following the focus on newer characters, Anupamaa continues to evolve, with recent storylines exploring Anupamaa’s journey post-divorce, her reunion with her daughter Raahi, and her role as the owner of Anu Ki Rasoi. The show’s ability to weave emotional family dynamics with modern themes, combined with Rupali’s unwavering commitment, ensures its relevance. As she stated, “The best is yet to come,” promising fans more heartfelt storytelling. With Rupali Ganguly leading from the front, Anupamaa remains a beacon of resilience and inspiration, proving its staying power in the ever-competitive world of Indian television.
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