Rupali Ganguly, the well-known television actress, recently voiced her frustration with the Mumbai civic authorities (BMC) after enduring a significant delay due to traffic congestion outside Film City. Reports indicate that it took her approximately two and a half hours to reach her set, prompting her to publicly criticize the BMC for the inconvenience.
Ganguly, who is currently one of the highest-paid actresses in the television industry, is best known for her titular role in the popular daily soap opera "Anupamaa". The show has consistently topped TRP charts since its premiere, making Ganguly a household name.
In July 2023, Ganguly had previously expressed her displeasure with Mumbai's traffic and road conditions, as well as the amount of garbage generated in the city via her Instagram handle. She shared videos of pothole-ridden roads and heavy traffic, همراه with angry emoticons expressing her frustration.
More recently, in September 2024, Ganguly faced criticism online after a video surfaced showing her riding as a passenger on a scooter without a helmet. The video, which went viral, led to calls for the Mumbai Police to take action against her for violating traffic rules. Social media users tagged the Mumbai Police and pointed out that she was setting a bad example, especially considering her involvement in politics.
Amidst the criticism, some internet users defended Ganguly, while others questioned why only ordinary citizens were fined for not wearing helmets. Some comments included, "RTO Mumbai please send fine without Helmet," and "Helmet ka challan bas gareeb non famous ke liye hi hai kya?? (Why are only non-famous fined for not wearing a helmet?)".
These incidents highlight the challenges faced by Mumbai residents, including celebrities, due to traffic congestion and infrastructure issues. Rupali Ganguly's recent experience and her previous complaints about Mumbai's roads and garbage situation reflect ongoing concerns about the city's infrastructure and civic management. While the BMC has been addressing issues such as wage payments to workers, challenges related to traffic and road maintenance persist.