By Anil Merani: Anupamaa, once the shining star of Star Plus, has seen its TRP ratings plummet to 1.9 points in April 2025, slipping to fourth place by Week 51 of 2024. The Indian Premier League (IPL) season, with its primetime cricket appeal, has certainly diverted some viewership. However, the deeper issues that underpin the show’s sustained decline are what truly concern us. This is not just a matter of numbers, but a significant shift in the entertainment landscape that impacts us all, as evidenced by fan feedback and industry trends.
The show’s core narrative has shifted dramatically due to multiple time leaps (December 2023, July 2024, October 2024), moving away from Anupamaa’s empowering journey to new, less compelling characters like Prem, Rahi, and the Kothari family. Fans on X express frustration over the sidelining of Anupamaa’s character, with the iconic Anupamaa-Anuj romance—a former TRP driver—disrupted by Anuj’s death and repetitive subplots. Controversial plots, such as Samar’s and Anuj’s deaths and Anupamaa enduring toxic family dynamics, have alienated viewers. They criticize the illogical storylines and negative portrayals of characters like Paakhi and Kaavya, feeling that these elements undermine the show’s feminist message. We hear these criticisms and understand the importance of a balanced and respectful portrayal of all characters.
High-profile cast exits, including Sudhanshu Pandey (Vanraj), Gaurav Khanna (Anuj), and Alisha Parveen Khan, have disrupted continuity, while rumors of on-set tensions and a toxic work environment, voiced by former actors like Paras Kalnawat, tarnish the show’s image. Competition from fresher narratives like Udne Ki Aasha, which claimed the top spot since Week 48 of 2024, and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai highlights shifting viewer preferences. The rise of OTT platforms, offering ad-free, concise content, further erodes TV viewership, as audiences favor quality over daily soap tropes.
The relentless chase for weekly TRPs, criticized by actor Manish Goel, has led to rushed, inconsistent plots, diluting the show’s creative storytelling. Running since July 2020, Anupamaa also suffers from audience fatigue, with X posts labeling recent episodes “boring” or “cringe” due to repetitive family drama. However, despite these challenges, there is hope. The show has seen occasional TRP spikes, such as the 2.2 rating in Week 12 of 2025. To reclaim its dominance, Anupamaa must refocus on its titular character’s journey, streamline plots, and most importantly, innovate. With bold changes and fresh storytelling, the show can counter IPL churn and evolving viewer tastes, offering a promising future for both the show and its audience.