Rupali Ganguly, best known for her role in the popular television show Anupamaa, recently opened up about the challenges she faced early in her career due to her negative role in the 2002 medical drama Sanjivani. During the TV Actresses Round Table 2024, organized by Directors Kut Production, Rupali shared how her portrayal of the grey-shaded character, Dr. Simran, drew harsh criticism from fans and even concerned her father.
Backlash from Fans and Family Concerns
Rupali recounted that her father, a filmmaker, was deeply worried about her playing a negative role. She shared, “My father, like a typical Bengali dad, said, ‘Meri beti toh vamp bann gayi, isse shadi kaun karega? (My daughter has become a vamp, who will marry her?)’”
The backlash extended beyond her family. Fans often failed to distinguish between her on-screen character and her real-life persona. Rupali shared an incident involving an elderly fan who expressed disdain towards her. “Gurdeep Kohli [her Sanjivani co-star] and I went to Lokhandwala market, and an elderly woman told her, ‘Don’t hang out with her,’ and called me kamini (mean). I cried that day; it hurt a lot,” Rupali revealed.
Family Controversy and Legal Action
On a more personal note, Rupali is currently embroiled in a legal battle with her stepdaughter, Esha Verma. Esha has accused Rupali of physically assaulting her mother in Mumbai and has labeled her father, Ashwin Verma, as “physically and emotionally abusive.” Speaking to Bollywood Bubble, Esha said, “Rupali physically hit my mother in person in Mumbai.”
In response to these allegations, Rupali Ganguly has filed a ₹50 crore defamation suit against Esha Verma, firmly denying the claims.
A Roundtable of Stars
The roundtable discussion where Rupali shared her experiences also featured other television stars like Shivangi Joshi, Reem Shaikh, Anita Raj, and Samridhii Shukla. It provided an insight into the struggles and triumphs of actresses in the television industry.
While Rupali continues to shine in her career, her past struggles and ongoing controversies highlight the challenges of balancing a public persona with personal life.
Sources By Agencies
