By Anil Merani: Top-ranking TV show Anupamaa has again lost its numero uno status to fellow DKP show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.
Anupamaa reached a TRP of 4 at its zenith before losing steam. For a while, it hovered around 2.4. Now it is down to 2.2, and Yeh Rishta is up a point.
There is some buzz in the market about whether the recent controversy involving Rupali’s personal life might have led to some drop in viewership in core demographics.
Rupali’s US-based daughter, Esha Verma, had leveled several severe allegations against her father, Ashwin Verma and Rupali.
While it is very early to say if the above social media war has contributed to a slight drop in numbers. This is possible due to the blurring of fiction and reality: Viewers often associate actors with the characters they portray. If negative perceptions about an actor’s personal life emerge, it can negatively impact their on-screen image.
Loss of empathy might also kick in. If the audience starts to view Rupali negatively, they may struggle to empathize with the virtuous and selfless character of Anupamaa.
In today’s digital age, social media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion. Negative comments and discussions about Rupali’s personal life can influence viewers’ perceptions of the show.
However, it’s important to note that the impact of these controversies on the show’s ratings will depend on various factors, such as the severity of the allegations, the public’s reaction, and the show’s ability to maintain its quality and appeal.
Luckily for Rupali, Esha appears to have backed off (she has deleted the offensive posts) after the former sent her a legal notice.
Had the war continued, it might have led to public backlash, hurting Anupamaa’s ratings and damaging Rupali’s career (getting more similar positive characters and brand endorsements).
Last but not least, it could have had consequences for Rupali’s mental health, again affecting creative output.
If the controversy dies, team Anupamaa and team Rupali will hope that this noise is just a storm in a teacup.
Public memory can be fleeting, especially in the age of rapid news cycles. Controversies without headlines and public discourse oxygen fade from public consciousness over time.
Second, Anupamaa and Rupali’s dedicated fan base may continue to support Rupali, thereby mitigating the negative impact of the controversies.
Last, team Rupali must employ effective crisis management, i.e., create a positive PR image around her and downplay all bad press.