Fame has a strange shadow. The bigger it gets, the more it invites speculation, gossip, and blame — especially in the fiercely competitive world of Indian television. Rupali Ganguly knows this better than most. As the face and backbone of Star Plus’s long-running blockbuster Anupamaa, she has faced accusations of bias, groupism, and behind-the-scenes manipulation — all of which turned out to be just noise.
Here is the full picture of what actually happened.
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What Were the Allegations Against Rupali Ganguly?
As Anupamaa climbed TRP charts and Rupali became the undisputed queen of Hindi television, whispers on the internet started connecting her to the exits of several co-stars. The show’s set was reportedly described by some as an “ugly rat race” and a breeding ground for ego clashes.
Paras Kalnawat, who played Samar on the show, revealed in an interview with Hindustan Times that actors would fight on set, calling it an “ugly rat race” and “ego clash,” adding that they fought over topics you wouldn’t even see a 16-year-old argue about.
When Alisha Parveen, who played Raahi/Aadhya, unexpectedly departed the show, fingers were pointed at Rupali almost immediately. Parveen told India Forums that she had heard people linking Rupali to her exit, saying “People said ‘unhone hi karvaya hai’ — She has done it. Rupali ma’am is behind it.”
Even the exit of Sudhanshu Pandey, who played the iconic Vanraj Shah and quit the show in 2024, was dragged into the narrative — with rumours suggesting a personal rift on set was behind his decision.
| Co-star | Character | Rumour Linked to Rupali |
|---|---|---|
| Paras Kalnawat | Samar | Set conflicts and ego clashes |
| Alisha Parveen | Raahi/Aadhya | Rupali allegedly behind her exit |
| Sudhanshu Pandey | Vanraj Shah | Rift on set leading to departure |
How the Truth Came Out?
One by one, each of these accusations was dismantled — not by PR statements, but by the people involved themselves.
Rupali Ganguly broke her silence while speaking to ABP and rubbished all the accusations. She was not the only one to defend her. Sudhanshu Pandey later cleared the air in several interviews, calling the rumours “exaggerated” and describing his relationship with Rupali as one where they “bicker like friends.”
Producer Rajan Shahi, who has worked closely with Rupali since the show’s inception, offered perhaps the most telling response of all. While speaking to Vickey Lalwani, Rajan joked that Rupali is often made an “easy target” and is paying a price because of her massive fame. Actor Randeep Rai also stepped up in her defence, calling the rumours rubbish.
The pattern here is clear: Rupali Ganguly’s dominance on screen made her the easiest name to blame when anything went wrong off it. For more on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of Indian television’s biggest shows, check out our TV drama coverage on TechnoSports.
Why This Keeps Happening to Leading Ladies?
There is a broader truth here worth acknowledging. In the Indian television industry, lead actresses — especially those as dominant as Rupali Ganguly — often become lightning rods for workplace gossip. Success breeds scrutiny, and scrutiny breeds rumour. The bigger your name, the more convenient it is to attach every problem to it.
Rupali’s story is a reminder that viral claims need verification, and that the person who gets blamed the most is often the one working the hardest. For a deeper look at Rupali Ganguly’s journey on Anupamaa and what makes her one of the most bankable names in Indian TV, read our Anupamaa series coverage.
FAQs
Q: Why was Rupali Ganguly blamed for her co-stars’ exit from Anupamaa?
Her massive on-screen presence made her an easy target for rumours, but co-stars and producer Rajan Shahi have since cleared the air, calling the allegations baseless.
Q: Did Sudhanshu Pandey leave Anupamaa due to a rift with Rupali Ganguly?
No — Sudhanshu himself called the rumours exaggerated and described his bond with Rupali as a friendly, bickering relationship, not a hostile one.
