Even after two decades since “Sarabhai vs Sarabhai” ended, the iconic sitcom continues to live in fans’ hearts. In an exclusive interview with Pinkvilla, Sumeet Raghavan opened up about his enduring friendship with co-star Rupali Ganguly, revealing how the cast still maintains their playful dynamic despite Rupali’s massive success with “Anupamaa.”
Table of Contents
Sarabhai vs Sarabhai Cast: Rupali Ganguly Then and Now
| Actor | Character | Current Project | Years Since Show |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sumeet Raghavan | Sahil Sarabhai | Wagle Ki Duniya | 20+ years |
| Rupali Ganguly | Monisha Sarabhai | Anupamaa | 20+ years |
| Satish Shah | Indravadan Sarabhai | Various projects | 20+ years |
| Ratna Pathak | Maya Sarabhai | Theatre & Films | 20+ years |
| Rajesh Kumar | Rosesh Sarabhai | Various TV shows | 20+ years |
The Friendship That Never Changed
Sumeet revealed with a laugh, “Aaj bhi Rupali ki hum utni hi taang khichte hai. Bhale voh Anupamaa kar rahi ho” (Even today we pull Rupali’s leg even though she is doing Anupamaa). This candid admission shows how genuine friendships in the entertainment industry transcend professional success and time.
From Sanjeevani to Comedy Gold
The actor shared an interesting backstory about how Rupali landed her role as Monisha. Director Atish Kapadia noticed that Rupali used to do comedy in “Sanjeevani,” where she was supposed to play a serious role, and that’s exactly what the makers were looking for.
When Rupali questioned this observation, Atish told her, “Jis tarah se tum bolti thi voh comedy tha” (The way you speak is comedy). This natural comedic timing became the foundation of her beloved character Monisha.
The Playful Teasing Continues
Despite Rupali Ganguly’s phenomenal success as Anupamaa, becoming one of Indian television’s highest-paid actresses, her Sarabhai family hasn’t changed their approach. Sumeet confessed, “Aaj bhi hum uski khichayi karte hai ki Anupamaa mai tum bohot achi comedy karti ho” (Even today we pull her leg saying that you do good comedy in Anupamaa).
The “Punching Bag” Dynamic
Sumeet explained their group dynamic: “Basically, Rupali is our punching bag. We all keep punching her. But she’s a sport. She’s a darling. Voh bechari hasti hai and ‘Mai ghar chhod ke jaungi’ aise bolti hai” (She laughs and says ‘I will leave the house and go’).
This playful relationship demonstrates how the Sarabhai cast has maintained their on-screen chemistry off-screen, creating lasting bonds that survive the pressures of fame and time.
Why Sarabhai vs Sarabhai Remains Iconic
The sitcom, though short-lived, created characters that became household names. Monisha’s middle-class sensibilities clashing with the upper-class Sarabhai family provided endless entertainment. The show’s humor was sophisticated yet accessible, making it a cult classic.
The Legacy Lives On
Twenty years later, fans still quote Monisha’s dialogues and Maya Sarabhai’s witty one-liners. The show’s impact on Indian comedy television cannot be overstated, influencing countless sitcoms that followed.
For entertainment enthusiasts interested in how classic shows influence modern content, check out our latest TV and entertainment analysis for insights into evolving comedy trends.
Current Projects and Future Possibilities
While Rupali dominates prime-time television with “Anupamaa,” Sumeet continues entertaining audiences through “Wagle Ki Duniya.” Their different career paths haven’t affected their friendship, proving that genuine connections transcend professional competition.
The cast’s regular reunions, often shared on social media, keep fans hopeful about potential future collaborations. These glimpses into their continued friendship remind viewers why Sarabhai vs Sarabhai felt like a real family on screen.
The Human Side of Stardom
Sumeet’s revelations offer a refreshing glimpse into how celebrities maintain genuine friendships despite fame and success. In an industry known for fragile egos and competitive dynamics, the Sarabhai cast’s enduring bond stands out as exceptional.
The fact that they still tease Rupali about her dramatic roles while celebrating her success shows maturity and genuine affection that’s rare in entertainment circles.
FAQs
Q: Do the Sarabhai vs Sarabhai cast members still meet regularly?
A: Yes, according to Sumeet Raghavan’s exclusive interview with Pinkvilla, the cast maintains regular contact and often meets for reunions. They frequently share glimpses of these gatherings on social media, keeping their friendship alive even 20+ years after the show ended. Their bond remains as strong as ever, with the same playful dynamics they had during filming.
Q: How did Rupali Ganguly transition from comedy in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai to her dramatic role in Anupamaa?
A: Interestingly, Rupali’s comedy timing was discovered accidentally while she was doing the serious medical drama “Sanjeevani.” Director Atish Kapadia noticed her natural comedic delivery even in serious scenes, which led to her casting in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai. Her co-stars still tease her about doing “good comedy” in Anupamaa, showing how her natural comedic instincts continue to shine through even in dramatic roles.
