By Anil Merani: Anupamaa has ruled desi fiction for years—undisputed number one, a juggernaut of TRPs and tears. Yet, beneath the crown, there’s a rumble. Stans sliding into my DMs aren’t shy: they’re fed up with the repeating sob stories and the eternal “dukhiyari maa” tropes.
I’m a diehard fan of producer Rajan Shahi’s craft—Rupali Ganguly (Anupamaa) and the team have my heart—but today, I’m challenging those murmurs into one tale. Call it a heads-up to the makers: snuff out these sparks before they flare into a revolt. Here’s the fandom’s beef, paired with why the makers aren’t always the bad guys—and why we should all keep the faith.*
I have broken it up into four heads.
Header- Common audience feelings about the show.
Fan Gripe lists what fans whisper in my DM about what they don’t like.
Flipside Is my counter to the above fan venting based on my experience as a decades-old TV hack.
Bais Notes point out audience blindsides, which need straight calling, no beating around the bush.
“Empowerment? More Like Doormat 2.0”
Fan Gripe: Four years on, Anupamaa’s still weeping over the Shahs—trading tea trays for melodrama doesn’t make her a queen. She’s their jester, not a feminist icon.
Flip side: Sure, she’s tangled with the Shahs, but that’s her strength—facing toxicity head-on, not running. It’s raw, not recycled.
Bias Note: Fans want a superhero, not a human who stumbles—unrealistic much?
2. The Leap Was a Flatline
Fan Gripe: That October 2024 leap? A desperate jolt to a dead show—newbies Adrija Roy( Rahee) and Shivam Khajuria( Prem) can’t fill Rupali’s shoes. Loyalty’s just habit now.
Flipside: Leaps keep soaps alive—new blood, new stakes. Rupali’s still anchoring it; the kids are a bonus, not a bust.
Bias Note: Nostalgia blinds fans to fresh potential—change isn’t always a coffin.
3.MaAn’s a Ghost Ship
Fan Gripe: Anuj (Gaurav Khanna) and Anupamaa’s spark drowned with Samar’s (Paras Kalnawat) death—now he’s a sad sack; she’s a martyr. MaAn stans are living in denial.
Flipside: Their pain’s the point—real love isn’t all roses. Gaurav Khanna’s quiet Anuj still simmers; it’s not dead, just dormant.
Bias Note: Fans crave fairy tales, not the messy truth of relationships.
4.Rupali or Bust
Fan Gripe: Without Rupali Ganguly, Anupamaa a circus of nobodies—new cast are props for her monologues. She’s the glue, period.
Flipside: She’s undoubtedly the star, but the ensemble adds grit. January 2025’s quit rumors proved her pull—yet the show’s bigger than one face.
Bias Note: Hero worship ignores the team effort—Rajan ji’s vision isn’t solo.
5.Shahs: Villains We Love to Hate?
Fan Gripe: Vanraj’s(Sudhanshu Pandey ) a sleaze, Baa’s( Alpana Buch) venomous, Pakhi’s( / Chandni Bhagwanani ) a brat—why do they get screen time? Are we fans or feud junkies?
Flipside: Villains drive the drama—without Shahs, Anupamaa’s got no fire to fight. You need the dark to see her light.
Bias Note: Fans complain but stay glued—hypocrisy’s their fuel.
6.Slot Machine Soap.
Fan Gripe: New faces, same tears—Anupamaa’s a cash grab, not a story. Sudhanshu’s exit and Aalisha’s swap (Adrija took her place) are the same wheel but with a different spin.
Flipside: It’s a formula that works—why fix what’s topping charts? Evolution, not repetition, keeps it alive.
Bias Note: Fans hate churn but demand twists—make up your minds!
The Wrap-Up:
These gripes aren’t mainstream—yet. But with rival shows nipping at Anupamaa’s heels, the makers can’t snooze. I’m not here to bleed the fandom dry like some popcorn pieces—this is a love letter with a hopeful message. Rajan Shahi’s a maestro; Rupali’s a titan. The team’s not always wrong—sometimes it’s us, the stans, warped by our own biases. But this is not the end. With the right tweaks and adjustments, Anupamaa can continue to reign as the queen of Desi fiction.
P.S. Fans don’t go ballistic. Let’s engage. We, too, don’t shy from a fair fight (bring the big guns!), but let’s not torch the house down. Remember, we all are batting for the same side (Anupamaa’s continued well-being)