Rupali Ganguly, a celebrated name in television, has captivated audiences with her role as Anu in Rajan Shahi’s show Anupamaa. Her journey in the entertainment industry began at a young age, and today, she stands as one of the highest-paid actresses, enjoying immense popularity. However, her path was not without hurdles. In a recent conversation with Zoom, Rupali opened up about her struggles in films, her decision to step away, and the changes she has observed over the years.
Rupali acknowledged a shift in the film industry and credited Shah Rukh Khan for bringing a positive transformation. She noted how he set an example by placing the lead actress’s name before his own in credits. She expressed, “What is happening in movies now, Shah Rukh Khan started naming the lead actress before him. This is a very good thing. It is a big change.” Growing up in a film background, she had witnessed stark differences in how male and female actors were treated. She recalled that movies were always centered around male leads, though her father, a filmmaker, focused on strong female-driven stories. She mentioned films like Kora Kagaz and Tapasya, which featured Rakhi, as examples of her father’s vision in an era dominated by male-centric narratives.
Rupali praised television for its unwavering respect toward women. She shared that unlike the film industry, television has always provided a safe and fair platform where talent is valued above all else. She emphasized that “Television has always been a blessing for women.”
Reflecting on her past experiences, Rupali spoke candidly about the casting couch in films. She admitted that it was one of the major reasons she chose to walk away from the industry. She pointed out how back then, women rarely spoke about these issues, whereas today, people are more aware and vocal. She stated, “We all have seen the casting couch in the film industry. Somewhere down the line, we have come across it. Aaj auratein baat kar rahi hai, uss waqt baat nahi hoti thi. It was a major reason to leave the industry.”
She drew a stark contrast between films and television, highlighting how television operates on merit. She revealed that despite her experience and fame, she had to audition for Anupamaa. She insisted that irrespective of past work, everyone is required to go through auditions for new roles. “I have still given auditions for Anupamaa. I am sure everybody, no matter what your last show was, you will have to give auditions for the new show. You get work on the basis of your talent, not because of other things.”
According to Rupali, the beauty of television lies in its treatment of women. She described it as a place where women are valued and treated with immense respect. She passionately stated, “Television has always given a lot of respect to women. This is the beauty of television. Women are always treated like queens.”
Rupali Ganguly’s words reflect not just her personal journey but also the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry. She has carved a successful career in television and continues to inspire many with her talent and resilience. Her journey is a testament to how television has empowered women and remains a platform where talent reigns supreme.