Rupali Ganguly has become a household name for her portrayal of Anupamaa Joshi in the hit television drama "Anupamaa," but few know that she wasn't the first choice for the role. Before Ganguly stepped into the shoes of the beloved character, another actress was offered the part: Mona Singh.
Mona Singh, known for her roles in "The Bads of Bollywood," and "Thode Door Thode Paas", was initially approached for the lead role in "Anupamaa". In an interview with HT City, Singh revealed that she declined the offer because she had decided to move away from television. She explained that she prioritizes roles that resonate with her and bring her joy, and at the time, she felt that "Anupamaa" wasn't the right fit. Despite turning down the role, Singh has expressed her admiration for Rupali Ganguly's portrayal of Anupamaa, stating that Ganguly has "owned it beautifully" and that the role was "meant for her".
The series "Anupamaa" premiered on July 13, 2020, on StarPlus and Disney+ Hotstar. Produced by Rajan Shahi and Deepa Shahi, the show is a remake of the Bengali series "Sreemoyee". The show explores social issues and stigmas surrounding divorced women and unequal division of household labor. Rupali Ganguly stars as Anupamaa Joshi, with Sudhanshu Pandey, Madalsa Sharma, and Gaurav Khanna formerly playing key roles. Since October 2024, Adrija Roy and Shivam Khajuria have joined the cast as second-generation leads.
Rukhsar Rehman, known for her roles in "PK" and "URI: The Surgical Strike," also confirmed that she was offered the role. In an interview, Rehman said that she received a call from Rajan Shahi's office but had to decline due to prior commitments in the OTT space and personal matters. She added that the timing didn't align for her to take on the project.
In addition to Mona Singh and Rukhsar Rehman, several other actresses were considered for the role of Anupamaa. Juhi Parmar, known for "Yeh Jeevan Hai" and "Rishtey," turned down the role due to commitments to another show. Gauri Pradhan, recognized for her roles in "Kutumb" and "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi," was also considered, but the makers felt her persona didn't align with the character. Sakshi Tanwar was another actress in consideration, but she was occupied with web series and Bollywood projects. Shweta Tiwari was reportedly busy with "Khatron Ke Khiladi 11," preventing her from considering "Anupamaa". Shveta Salve was also considered, but allegedly asked for a high remuneration, leading to a breakdown in negotiations.
Ultimately, the role of Anupamaa went to Rupali Ganguly, who has received immense acclaim for her performance. Ganguly's portrayal has been praised for its emotional depth and authenticity, making the show a consistent ratings leader. She is now one of the highest-paid television actresses in India. Ganguly is known for pioneering a change in the portrayal of women in Hindi television. She is also known for her compassion and strong beliefs. Off-screen, Ganguly is an animal lover and advocate, promoting vegetarianism and speaking out against animal cruelty.
"Anupamaa" has not only made Rupali Ganguly a household name but has also provided opportunities for other cast members like Sudhanshu Pandey, Madalsa Sharma, and Gaurav Khanna to establish their identities.
