Before Rupali Ganguly, THIS actress was the original choice for Anupamaa

Rupali Ganguly not the first choice for Anupamaa

Rupali Ganguly's show Anupamaa is produced by Rajan Shahi and Deepa Shahi under Director’s Kut Productions and is an adaptation of the Bengali series Sreemoyee.

While Rupali is now synonymous with the role, it turns out she wasn’t the original choice to play Anupamaa.

In a recent interview with Aaj Tak’s Saas Bahu Aur Betiyaan, actor Rukhsar Rehman revealed that she was initially approached to headline the series. Known for her work in films like PK and URI: The Surgical Strike, as well as several acclaimed television roles, Rukhsar shared, “Mujhe phone aaya tha Rajan Shahi ke office se,” confirming that she was indeed considered for the lead.

“But I was doing OTT at that time and had a few things going on in life. So, I said not now, I would be able to do it after a few days. But no one ever knows in advance if a show will become so successful. But yes, I mean it’s all destiny. Maybe something better is waiting for me.”

Rupali Ganguly was ultimately casted for the part, and her interpretation of the title character resonated with audiences and helped reshape her career.

The cast of the show has changed a lot over the years, with actors like Gaurav Khanna, Madalsa Sharma, and Sudhanshu Pandey leaving after significant plot points. Adrija Roy and Shivam Khajuria are part of the current group.

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In the meantime, Rukhsar has persisted in leaving her mark on digital, television, and film. Before taking a hiatus from the business, she started her acting career in 1992 in Yaad Rakhegi Duniya, opposite Aditya Pancholi. A new chapter began when she returned in 2005 with Ram Gopal Varma's Sarkar, which led to parts in The Stoneman Murders, God Tussi Great Ho, and D-Underworld.

In recent years, Rukhsar has also embraced the OTT space with acclaimed series such as The Gone Game and The Night Manager. She is also the mother of actor Aisha Rehman, from her first marriage.