Mumbai: Popular television star Rupali Ganguly says she never saw herself as a star despite a long career and hit shows like ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’, ‘Parvarrish’ and ‘Kkavyanjali’ but ‘Anupamaa’, with its unprecedented popularity, changed the way people perceived her.
Ganguly, whose other popular shows include ‘Baa Bahoo Aur Baby’, and ‘Adaalat’, plays the titular character of a middle-class homemaker who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. The Star Plus show has been a major hit since it debuted in 2020.
"I was never a star before 'Anupamaa'. I was just an actor until then, but people realised that I was doing my work well, that’s about it. Even when ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’ was telecast, it had low TRPs, and that show became big later.
"Suddenly, after ‘Anupamaa’ people realised that I was fantastic in ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’. So, ‘Anupamaa’ has been the catalyst. Even in award functions, I was made to sit behind but today if I’m sitting in the front row, it is because of ‘Anupamaa’,” the actor told PTI in an interview.
The actor, 49, attributed the popularity of the show, made by Rajan Shahi and Deepa Shahi under their banner, Director's Kut Productions, to its relatable storytelling and its focus on homemakers, who are often overlooked.
"I've stayed at home for over six years, I know we are important for our family. In the show, we are talking about the housewives. We are the voice for the voiceless," the actor said, adding that the show is equally popular among men.
Ganguly said ‘Anupamaa’ has also helped challenge long-held industry perceptions about lack of roles for women in TV after a certain age.
