Popular television actress Rupali Ganguly, known for her role in Anupamaa, has filed a defamation suit demanding Rs 50 crore from her stepdaughter Esha Verma. The legal action follows a series of allegations from Esha, including claims of abuse against her father, Ashwin Verma, and physical assault against her mother by Rupali. Esha, 26, who resides in the United States, made these allegations in a recent interview, intensifying a public family dispute.
The defamation notice, issued by Rupali’s lawyer Sana Raees Khan, accuses Esha of making “false and damaging statements” on social media, including platforms like Twitter (now X), Instagram, and Facebook. In the notice, Rupali asserts that these statements have caused her immense emotional distress and harmed her professional reputation, even leading to the loss of job opportunities. Additionally, Rupali is demanding a public apology from Esha to clear her name, warning that failure to comply will lead to further legal action.
Esha’s Allegations and Her Father’s Response
In an interview with Bollywood Bubble, Esha claimed that Rupali physically assaulted her mother in Mumbai and accused her father, Ashwin, of being physically and emotionally abusive. Esha said, “I was devastated, crying in high school because of the women who deliberately came into our lives, who broke my parents’ marriage, who physically hit my mother.” She further alleged that Rupali pressured her father to push for divorce and recounted an incident where Rupali allegedly slept in the bed her parents once shared in their New Jersey home.
Following these statements, Ashwin Verma responded with a statement on X, denying Rupali’s involvement in his previous marriage’s dissolution. He stated that his relationship with his second wife, Esha’s mother, had encountered multiple challenges unrelated to Rupali. “I understand that my younger daughter still holds a lot of hurt about the dissolution of her parent’s relationship… But marriages end for many reasons,” he wrote. Expressing his sadness over the ongoing tensions, Ashwin added, “It saddens me to see anyone being pulled into cycles of negativity by the media.”
Rupali’s Stand and Demand for Apology
In the defamation notice, Rupali’s team claims that Esha’s comments subjected her to “mental trauma,” leading to medical treatment and humiliation on set. The actress initially chose to remain silent but felt compelled to act legally after Esha’s accusations involved her and Ashwin’s 11-year-old son. The notice outlines that Rupali, who was close friends with Ashwin for 12 years before their marriage, had even attempted to support Esha’s career by arranging auditions and photoshoots.
As this high-profile family dispute unfolds, Rupali’s demand for an apology and financial compensation reflects her determination to protect her reputation. The next legal steps will depend on Esha’s response, as the family drama continues to capture the public’s attention.
Sources By Agencies
