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Anupamaa

Indian drama television series From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Anupamaa
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Anupamaa is an Indian Hindi-language television drama series that premiered on 13 July 2020 on StarPlus and streams digitally on Disney+ Hotstar.[3][4] Produced by Rajan Shahi and Deepa Shahi under the banner of Director's Kut Productions, it is a remake of Star Jalsha's Bengali series Sreemoyee.[5] Rupali Ganguly plays the titular role and formerly starred Sudhanshu Pandey, Madalsa Sharma and Gaurav Khanna.[6][7] Since October 2024, the series stars Ganguly with Adrija Roy (replaced Alisha Parveen Khan) and Shivam Khajuria as second generation leads.[8][9]

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Plot

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Anupamaa is a middle-aged housewife who toils for her family but is always insulted by her husband, Vanraj, and her mother-in-law, Leela, for being uneducated. Anupamaa's constant emotional supports are her younger son, Samar, and her father-in-law, Hasmukh. However, on her 25th wedding anniversary, upon discovering that Vanraj has cheated on her with his colleague, Kavya, she feels heartbroken and sets out to create her identity. Meanwhile, Anupamaa's elder son, Paritosh, marries Kinjal, while Samar and Nandini, Kavya's niece, fall for each other. Anupamaa and Vanraj divorce, and he marries Kavya soon after her divorce from her husband, Aniruddh.

Anupamaa, along with Samar and Nandini, opens a dance academy due to their shared passion for dance. However, Nandini breaks up with Samar and leaves him forever because of her misunderstandings and insecurities towards him. Anupamaa later reconnects with her college classmate, Anuj Kapadia, who has been in love with her since her college days. Anupamaa eventually falls in love with Anuj, and they marry. Together, they adopt a girl, Chhoti Anu. Anupamaa struggles to balance her responsibilities between her two families. Amidst all this, Kinjal gives birth to a baby girl, Aarya, and learns that Paritosh has cheated on her, but they reconcile for the sake of their child. Anupamaa's daughter, Pakhi, marries Adhik, who is the younger brother and foster son of Anuj's sister-in-law, Barkha. Samar marries a rape victim, Dimple, who herself was divorced by her husband after her rape.

Later on, Chhoti Anu's biological mother, Maya, arrives and takes Chhoti Anu with her. Anuj and Anupamaa feel devastated on Anu's departure, and Anuj leaves Anupamaa to stay with Maya and Chhoti Anu. Maya and Barkha conspire to keep Anuj and Anupamaa apart. Later on, Anupamaa has a chance to be a part of Malti Devi's Academy, Gurukul. Malti Devi is impressed with Anupamaa's hard work and dedication, and offers her a 3-year contract to work with her and declares that she would be the heir of Gurukul. Maya realizes her mistake when she tries to separate Anuj and Anupamaa and asks for their forgiveness, but a truck hits her, and Maya dies. Before leaving for America, Anupamaa learns that Anu's health has deteriorated, and she rushes back to her. This angers Malti Devi, so she expels Anupamaa from her Gurukul. Meanwhile, Kavya is pregnant with Aniruddh's child, and Vanraj learns about that and avoids her. Later on, Anupamaa finds Malti Devi roaming in the streets, in a deteriorated condition, and brings her to her house. On Anuj's birthday, the entire family is shocked to know that Malti Devi is Anuj's biological mother, but Anuj refuses to accept her. Later on, Samar is murdered at a party, leaving behind Dimple, who is pregnant with his child. Anupamaa, Vanraj, and Anuj find out Samar's murderer and have him arrested. Paritosh, Kinjal, and Aarya move out of India.

Pakhi, Barkha, and Malti Devi instigate Chhoti Anu against Anupamaa, and she goes against her, whereas Dimple meets a dancer, Tapish, and they become friends. Vanraj tells Dimple to stay away from Tapish, or else he will keep Dimple's child away from her. Kinjal, Paritosh, and Aarya return to India to celebrate Aarya's first birthday. Anupamaa comes to meet Aarya, but Vanraj asks her to leave and tells her to never return to the house. Kavya also leaves the house after Vanraj tells her that her child doesn't have any place in this house. Malti Devi and Barkha collaborate to expel Anupamaa from Anuj's life and start instigating Chhoti Anu against Anupama. Anupamaa, Kinjal, Aarya, and Chhoti Anu go out for a picnic, but the car meets with an accident. Although Anupamaa rescues everyone, she is berated by Vanraj and Paritosh. Anupamaa decides to never return to the Shah house and returns to the Kapadia house. Chhoti Anu berates Anupamaa and stays away from her. Anuj feels that Anupamaa has never paid attention to Chhoti Anu and the Kapadia family, and has always paid attention to the Shah family, and feels that he has married Anupamaa hastily. Anupamaa then decides to leave Anuj and Chhoti Anu forever and leaves the house. Anuj divorces Anupamaa and renames Chhoti Anu to Aadhya and leaves India.

5 years later, Anupamaa lives in her own house, hiding from everyone, and owns a social media channel where she cooks food and later donates it to old-age homes. Anuj and Aadhya have shifted to the USA, where he becomes engaged to a photographer, Shruti, for Aadhya's sake. Vanraj has become rich by raising and pampering Samar's spoilt son Ansh. Dimple serves the Shah family. Kinjal and Paritosh are struggling in the USA. Pakhi has divorced Adhik and raises her adopted daughter Ishani, but is a careless mother towards her, and later returns to Shah house. Kavya too has a daughter, Mahi, who craves for her father's love, but Vanraj fails to give her so, remembering Kavya's betrayal.

Dimple and Tapish, a famous dancer secretly love each other for five years. Anupamaa leaves for the USA and faces challenges. She meets Anuj and Aadhya, but Aadhya berates her. She returns to India for Dimple and Tapish's marriage. Anuj breaks up with Shruti after she plots against Anupamaa. Dimple and Tapish marry after he reveals his traumatic childhood, where his mother accidentally killed his abusive father in an attempt to save him, and the family reunites. Vanraj, Paritosh, and Pakhi become greedy for money and want to sell the Shah House. Hasmukh and Leela shift to an old-age home.

Anupamaa and Anuj finally decide to unite, but Aadhya blackmails Anuj, thinking Anupamaa is responsible for her traumatic five years, and leaves for the hostel. Anuj and Anupamaa both meet with accidents.

6 months later, Anupamaa now lives in a shelter home, Asha Bhavan, along with Hasmukh, a divorced woman named Nandita with her newborn daughter Asha, two elderly people, Bala and Indira, and an orphan law student, Sagar, who part-time drives an autorickshaw to fund his studies and Asha Bhavan. Neighboring it is a renovated Shah house. While Kavya has become an international model, leaving Mahi at the Shahs'. Vanraj has now turned soft towards Mahi and become richer and arrogant, spoiling the children, especially Ansh. Pakhi and Paritosh have become greedier, while Kinjal serves the family. Dimple too becomes greedy, neglecting Ansh and troubling Tapish.

Anupamaa still yearns for Anuj, while Anuj has lost his mental balance after losing his memory and is referred to as "Kanha" by neighboring temple saints. Soon, Anupamaa finds Anuj and brings him to Asha Bhavan and learns that, after the accident, Ankush and Barkha told Anuj that Aadhya is dead and tricked him into signing the property in their name, ultimately leading to his present condition. Anupamaa vows to find Aadhya, who was adopted by a rich couple, Viren and Megha, after their daughter Priya's death, who resembles Aadhya. Soon, Vanraj's niece Meenakshi returns from Russia after completing MBBS, and she and Sagar become attracted to each other. It is revealed that Aadhya's adoptive mother has become crazy after Priya's death, and she tortures Aadhya due to her obsession with her overprotective nature and thinking and making her look like Priya, while Aadhya repents her nature towards Anupamaa and yearns for Anupamaa and Anuj. Later, Anupamaa starts a cooking business, and Anuj starts driving an autorickshaw to help Sagar fund Asha Bhavan and his studies.

Anupamaa finds Aadhya, and Aadhya tells her that she repents for what she had done and asks for forgiveness. On Janmashtami, Anupamaa rescues Aadhya from Megha's clutches and takes her to Anuj. Anuj and Aadhya have an emotional reunion, but Megha arrives there and stabs Anupamaa. After recovering, Anupamaa gives a reality check to Megha while Vanraj flees after committing fraud, while Kavya too abandons Mahi, and the latter is adopted by Anupamaa and Anuj, and Dolly too returns. Anuj learns the truth about Ankush and Barkha, and swears to take back the Kapadia empire from them. Later, the Shahs are forced to vacate the Shah's house and relocate to Asha Bhavan. Tensions arise as the Shahs find it difficult to stay with Asha Bhavan residents, leaving their lavish lifestyle, while Meenakshi and Sagar also marry by running away, and Dolly blames Anupamaa for supporting Meenakshi.

Anupamaa agrees to marry Anuj again, and they prepare for their wedding. One day before the wedding, Anuj leaves for Himachal Pradesh for a business meeting. Dimple and Aadhya quarrel over Ansh, and Dimple meets with a fire accident and dies. Dolly blames Aadhya for her death and files a police complaint against her. Anupamaa says that if Aadhya is guilty, she will hand her over to the police. On hearing this, Aadhya flees from Ahmedabad, thinking that Anupamaa does not trust her. Aarya tells Anupamaa and the police that Aadhya is innocent and Dimple's death was accidental. Anupamaa sets out to find Aadhya. Meanwhile, Ankush follows Anuj and kidnaps him, and takes him to a cliff. They fight, and Ankush pushes Anuj off the cliff. Anupamaa prays for Aadhya and Anuj's safety.

10 years later, the Shah family returns to the Shah house, as Anupamaa fought with the builder to retrieve the Shah house from him. Anupamaa has opened a business named Anu Ki Rasoi, which is struggling financially. Ansh has become a video game developer and is a reflection of Samar, and is also Anupamaa's emotional support, like Samar. Kinjal, who has never divorced Paritosh, has become bitter and ridicules Aarya for being overweight. Pakhi helps Ishaani become a social media sensation. Mahi has grown up and stays with Anupamaa. Anupamaa still misses Aadhya and has been looking for her for the past ten years.

Meanwhile, in Dwarka, Aadhya has grown up, legally changed her name to Raahi, and is a tourist guide and has a friend named Babli. She lives in an orphanage Shishu Chhaya Ashram and fears the police. Anupamaa meets a man, Prem, and he tells her that if she goes to Dwarka, her wishes will be fulfilled and she will reunite with her lost family members. She agrees to go to Dwarka and performs a ritual to find Aadhya. Anupamaa finds Raahi and tells her to come with her. She refuses to do so and returns to the orphanage, which is in trouble. Anupamaa gives the orphanage owner, Mr. Vyas, ₹10,00,000 and takes Raahi back to Ahmedabad, where she struggles to bond with the Shahs.

Anupamaa brings in Prem as well, and recruits him in Anu Ki Rasoi and lets him stay in Shah House. Mahi is attracted to Prem, whereas Prem slowly falls in love with Raahi. Raahi, Mahi, Ansh, Ishani, Aarya, and Prem participate in a competition, Gujarati Superstar but they are shocked to see that Anupamaa is the honorary judge. Raahi participates in the competition, thinking that if she wins, she will give the prize money to Anupamaa and leave for Dwarka forever, but in the final round, Raahi's anklets scatter, and she gets hurt. Mahi wins the competition, and Raahi blames Anupamaa for her loss.

Anupamaa realizes that Pakhi tampered with Raahi's anklets and made her lose. She slaps Pakhi and expels her. Raahi returns and tells Anupamaa that she wants 50 percent ownership of Anu Ki Rasoi. Anupamaa agrees to give her the ownership. Later, Raahi and Mahi fight, and Raahi accidentally slaps Leela. The customers of Anu Ki Rasoi complain against Raahi about the poor food, and one employee is angry with Raahi for not giving leave. Raahi realizes her mistakes and forgives Anupamaa, and they reunite. Mahi tells Anupamaa that she is in love with Prem and wants to marry him. On the other side, Prem confesses his love to Raahi, but Raahi doesn't accept it as she also learns that Mahi loves Prem.

On Prem and Mahi's engagement, Prem tells the family that he loves Raahi and does not love Mahi. Raahi finally accepts Prem's love, and Anupamaa agrees to Prem and Rahi's relationship, due to which, Mahi is upset and decides to snatch Prem from Rahi.

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Cast

Main

  • Rupali Ganguly as Anupamaa Joshi: Owner of Anu Ki Rasoi; Kanta's daughter; Bhavesh's sister; Vanraj and Anuj's ex-wife; Paritosh, Samar and Pakhi's mother; Raahi and Mahi's adoptive mother (2020–present)
  • Sudhanshu Pandey as Vanraj Shah: A businessman; Leela and Hasmukh's son; Dolly's brother; Anupamaa's ex-husband; Kavya's husband; Paritosh, Samar and Pakhi's father (2020–2024)
  • Madalsa Sharma as Kavya Shah: A model; Annirudh's ex-wife; Vanraj's wife; Mahi's mother (2020–2024)
  • Gaurav Khanna as Anuj Kapadia: Former business tycoon; event manager; Malti Devi's son; Malvika's adopted brother; Anupamaa's ex-husband; Raahi's adoptive father (2021-2024)
  • Alisha Parveen / Adrija Roy as Raahi "Aadhya" Kapadia: Former tourist guide; co-owner of Anu Ki Rasoi; Maya's daughter; Anupamaa and Anuj's adopted daughter; Paritosh, Samar, Pakhi and Mahi's adopted sister; Prem's wife (2024) / (2024–present)
  • Shivam Khajuria as Prem "Tinku" Kothari: Chef at Anu Ki Rasoi; Gayatri and Parag's son; Khyati's step-son; Prarthana's brother; Aryan's half-brother; Raahi's husband (2024–present)

Recurring

Shahs

  • Alpana Buch as Leela "Baa" Shah: Hasmukh's wife; Vanraj and Dolly's mother (2020–present)
  • Arvind Vaidya as Hasmukh "Bapuji" Shah: Leela's husband; Vanraj and Dolly's father (2020–present)
  • Ekta Saraiya as Dolly Shah: Leela and Hasmukh's daughter (2020–2023; 2024)
  • Aashish Mehrotra / Gaurav Sharma / Manish Naggdev as Paritosh "Toshu" Shah: Anupamaa and Vanraj's son (2020–2024) / (2024) / (2024–present)
  • Nidhi Shah / Milloni Kapadia as Kinjal Dave: Rakhi and Pramod's daughter; Paritosh's wife (2020–2024) / (2024–present)
  • Paras Kalnawat / Sagar Parekh as Samar Shah: A dancer and former teacher at Anupamaa Dance Academy; Anupamaa and Vanraj's son (2020–2023)
  • Muskan Bamne / Chandni Bhagwanani / Krutika Desai as Pakhi Shah: Anupamaa and Vanraj's daughter (2020–2023) / (2024) / (2024–present)
  • Varun Kasturia as Ansh Shah: A video game developer; Samar and Dimple's son (2024–present)
  • Vidvaan Sharma as Child Samar (2022) (archival footage of Anupama: Namaste America)
  • Trishaan Shah as Child Ansh (2023–2024)
  • Dheer Bhanushali as Child Paritosh (2022) (archival footage of Anupama: Namaste America)

Dhamechas

  • Paresh Bhatt as Sanjay Dhamecha: Dolly's ex-husband; Meenakshi's father (2020–2022)
  • Sonal Khilwani as Dr. Meenakshi "Meenu" Dhamecha: Dolly and Sanjay's daughter; Sagar's wife (2024)
  • Lavishka Gupta / Stuti Zakarde as child and teenage Meenu (2020) / (2020–2022; 2023)

Kapadias

  • Aneri Vajani as Malvika "Mukku" Kapadia: Anuj's adopted sister; Ankush's cousin; Neeraj’s ex-wife (2021–2022)
  • Rohit Bakshi as Ankush Kapadia: Malvika's cousin; Anuj's adopted cousin; Barkha's husband; Sneha's former lover; Sara and Romil's father (2022–2024)
  • Ashlesha Sawant as Barkha Mehta Kapadia: Adhik's sister; Ankush's wife; Sara's mother; Romil's step-mother (2022–2024)
  • Alma Hussein as Sara Kapadia: Ankush and Barkha's daughter; Adhik's foster sister; Romil's half-sister (2022)
  • Viraj Kapoor as Romil Kapadia: Ankush and Sneha's son; Barkha's step-son; Sara's half-brother; Raahi's adoptive cousin (2023)
  • Aurra Bhatnagar Badoni as teenage Aadhya Kadapia (2023-2024)
  • Asmi Deo as child Aadhya Kadapia (2022-2023)

Mehtas

  • Adhik Mehta as Adhik Mehta: Barkha's brother and foster son; Sara's foster brother; Pakhi's ex-husband; Ishani's adoptive father (2022–2024)
  • Viidushi Tiwari as Ishani "Ishu" Mehta: A model; Pakhi and Adhik's adopted daughter (2024–present)
    • Aadhya Barot as child Ishaani (2024)

Kotharis

  • Alka Kaushal as Vasundhara "Moti Baa" Kothari: Parag, Anil and Pankhuri's mother; Prem, Prarthana, Aryan, Raja and Badshah's grandmother (2025–present)
  • Rahil Azam as Parag Kothari: Vasundhara's son; Anil and Pankhuri's brother; Gayatri's widower; Khyati's boss-turned-husband; Prem, Prarthana and Aryan's father (2025–present)
  • Zalak Desai as Khyati Patel Kothari: Parag's employee-turned-wife; Aryan's mother; Prem and Prarthana's step-mother (2025–present)
  • Sheersha Tiwari as Prarthana Kothari: Gayatri and Parag's daughter; Khyati's step-daughter; Prem's sister; Aryan's half-sister; Gautam's ex-wife; Ansh's love interest (2024–present)
  • Randeep Rai as Aryan "Mohit / Akela" Kothari: Khyati and Parag's son; Prem and Prarthana's half-brother; Mahi's husband (2025) (Dead)
  • Spreha Chatterjee as Mahi Shah Kothari: Kavya and Aniruddh's daughter; Vanraj's step-daughter; Anupamaa's adopted daughter; Paritosh, Samar and Pakhi's stepsister; Raahi's adopted sister; Aryan’s widow (2024–present)
    • Pahal Chaudhary as Child Mahi (2024)
  • Mazher Sayed as Anil Kothari: Vasundhara's son; Parag and Pankhuri's brother; Meeta's husband; Raja and Badshah's father (2025–present)
  • Shiwani Chakraborty as Meeta Kothari: Anil's wife; Raja and Badshah's mother (2025–present)
  • Jatin Suri as Raja Kothari: Anil and Meeta's elder son; Badshah's brother; Aarya’s husband (2025–present)
  • Ishita Modi as Aarya "Pari" Shah Kothari: A fashion designer; Kinjal and Paritosh's daughter; Raja’s wife (2024–present)
    • Princy Prajapati as Child Aarya (2024)
    • Noorain Khan as Baby Aarya (2022–2023)
  • Arisht Jain as Badshah Kothari: Anil and Meeta's younger son; Raja's brother (2025–present)
  • Saee Barve as Gayatri Kothari: Parag's late wife; Prem and Prarthana's mother (2025) (Dead)

Singhs

  • Manish Goel as Raghav Singh: Pankhuri's estranged husband (2025)
  • Neetu Bhatt as Pankhuri Kothari Singh: Vasundhara's daughter; Parag and Anil's sister; Raghav's estranged wife (2025) (in flashbacks only)

Joshis

  • Mehul Nisar as Bhavesh Joshi: Kanta's son; Anupamaa's brother; Nihar's father (2020–2024)
  • Madhavi Gogate / Savita Prabhune as Kanta Joshi: Anupamaa and Bhavesh's mother; Paritosh, Samar, Pakhi and Nihar's grandmother, Aarya and Ansh's great-grandmother; Ishaani's adoptive great-grandmother (2020–2021) / (2021–2023; 2025) (Dead)
  • Yachit Sharma as Nihar Joshi: Bhavesh's son; Paritosh, Samar and Pakhi's cousin (2020)

Daves

  • Tasneem Sheikh as Rakhi Dave: Pramod's wife; Kinjal's mother; Aarya's grandmother (2020–2023)
  • Farooq Saeed as Pramod Dave: Rakhi's husband; Kinjal's father; Aarya's grandfather (2020)

Recurring

  • Rushad Rana as Aniruddh Gandhi: Kavya's ex-husband; Mahi's father (2020–2021; 2023)
  • Shekhar Shukla as Jignesh "Mamaji": Leela's brother (2020–2022)
  • Jaswir Kaur as Devika Mehta: Anupamaa's best friend (2020–2024)
  • Payal Nair as Parul Sharma: Pakhi's principal (2020–2021)
  • Bhakti Chauhan as Jhilmil: Gudiya's mother; Shah family's former house help (2020)
  • Anagha Bhosale as Nandini "Nandu" Iyer: A dancer and former teacher of Anupamaa Dance Academy; Kavya's niece; Samar's ex-fiancée (2020–2022)
  • Tulika Patel as Kaamini (2020)
  • Vivan Singh Rajput as Siddharth "Sid" Desai: Pakhi's classmate (2020)
  • Riyaz Panjwani as Mr. Dholakia: Vanraj, Kavya, and Kinjal's former boss (2020; 2021)
  • Arup Pal as CEO: New CEO of Vanraj's office (2020; 2021)
  • Parull Chaudhary as Dr. Mona Chopra: Pakhi's psychiatrist (2021)
  • Apurva Agnihotri as Dr. Advait "Adi" Khanna: Owner of Blissdom's Wellness Resort; Anupamaa's doctor; Vanraj, Anupamaa and Shahs' guide and friend (2021)
  • Sunita Rai as Manasi Jain: Food critic at Vanraj's café (2021)
  • Kiara Khantwal as Kiara: Video blogger at Vanraj's café (2021)
  • Varun Sharma as Rohan: Nandini's former boyfriend and obsessive lover (2021)
  • Deepak Gheewala as Gopichand "GK" Karodia: Anuj and Malvika's caretaker (2021–2022)
  • Rishabh Jaiswal as Nirmit: Dimple's ex-husband (2022)
  • Nishi Saxena as Dimple aka Dimpy: Pammi's daughter; Nirmit's ex-wife; Samar's widow; Tapish's wife; Ansh's mother (2022–2024) (Dead)
  • Kunwar Amar as Tapish aka Titu: A dancer and former teacher at Anupamaa Dance Academy; Sushma Devi's son; Dimple's widower; Ansh's step-father (2023–2024)
  • Nitesh Pandey as Dheeraj Kapoor: Anuj's best friend (2023)
  • Amit Pachori as Mohit: Kavya's modeling photographer (2023)
  • Chhavi Pandey as Maya aka Uttara: Priest's daughter; former prostitute; Raahi's mother; Anuj's former obsessive one-sided lover (2023) (Dead)
  • Renuka Sharma as Sushma: A former prostitute and Maya's friend (2023)
  • Mahi Soni / Yashti Pamnani as Bhairavi: Student at Anupamaa Dance Academy (2023) / (2023)
  • Apara Mehta as Malti “Gurumaa” Devi: Owner of Gurukul; Anuj's mother; Anupamaa's former dance teacher; Raahi's adoptive grandmother (2023)
    • Khushali Jariwala as young Malti Devi (2023)
  • Aman Maheshwari as Nakul: Malti's student and accomplice (2023)
  • Lovish Saini as Shivansh "Sonu" Rathore: Suresh's son; a goon; Samar's murderer (2023)
  • Kumar Hegde as Suresh Rathore: A politician; Shivansh's father (2023)
  • Kaddy Trawally as Kaddy: Waitress at "Spice and Chutney" restaurant (2023–2024)
  • Rituraj Singh as Yashpal Dhillon: Owner of "Spice and Chutney" restaurant; Anupamaa's former boss; Manjeet's elder son; Yashdeep's brother (2023–2024)
  • Sunny Sadhwani as Vikram: Chef in "Spice and Chutney" restaurant; Anupamaa's friend (2023–2024)
  • Sukirti Kandpal as Shruti "Shru" Ahuja: A photographer; Anuj's ex-fiancée; Raahi's caretaker (2023–2024)
  • Rahul Ojha as Rahul: Chef in "Kebabs & Curries" restaurant; former chef in "Spice and Chutney" restaurant (2023–2024)
  • Dishi Duggal as Manjeet Kaur Dhillon: Yashpal and Yashdeep's mother (2024)
  • Vaquar Shaikh as Yashdeep "Deepu" Dhillon: A retired army officer; Manjeet's younger son; Yashpal's brother; Anupamaa's ex-boss and business partner (2024)
  • Parakh Madan as Diya: A dancer; Yashdeep's friend; Anupamaa's dance teacher (2024)
  • Aman Sachdev as Aarush: Pakhi's friend and business partner (2024)
  • Yajuvendra Singh as Mr. Gulati: Owner of "Kebabs & Curries" restaurant; Rahul's boss; Anupamaa and Yashdeep's rival (2024)
  • Akshita Tiwari as Nandita: Resident at Asha Bhavan; Asha's mother (2024)
  • Parveen Kaur Hoogan as Indira: Resident at Asha Bhawan; Dhruv's grandmother (2024)
  • Raaj Gopal Iyer as Bala: Resident at Asha Bhavan; Hasmukh's friend (2024)
  • Nitin Babu as Sagar: Resident at Asha Bhavan; an autorickshaw driver and law student; Meenakshi's husband (2024)
  • Jay Zaveri as Viren Sanghvi: Raahi's foster father; Megha's husband; Priya's father (2024)
  • Shivani Gosain as Megha Sanghvi: Raahi's foster mother; Viren's wife; Priya's mother (2024)
  • Shahab Khan as Mr. Vyas: Owner of "Shishu Chhaya Ashram" (2024)
  • Nidhi Pandya as Babli aka Bubbles: Raahi's best-friend and helper from "Shishu Chhaya Ashram" (2024)
  • Sejal Shah as Janki: Anupamaa's well-wisher and head chef in "Anu Ki Rasoi" (2024)
  • Hera Mishra as Radha: Anupamaa's employee; Srishti's daughter (2024–2025)
  • Satya Tiwari as Gautam Gandhi: Prarthana's ex-husband (2025–present)
  • Kanwarjit Paintal as Pandit Manohar Sharma: Raahi, Lily and Dance Ranis's dance teacher; Anupamaa's employer; Tarun's estranged father (2025–present)
  • Gurpreet Kaur as Jaspreet "Jassi / Jass / Preeto" Kaur: Anupamaa and Bharti's roommate (2025–present)
  • Arti Birajdar as Bharti: Anupamaa and Jaspreet's roommate; Mangesh's ex-wife; Sumit's ex-fiancée (2025–present)
  • Asha Dnyate as Sarita: Gajanan's wife; Kajal's mother; Reva's maid (2025–present)
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Production

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Development

In February 2020, Rajan Shahi, the producer of Aai Kuthe Kay Karte, announced his plan to produce its Hindi remake, Anupamaa, stating, "This interesting concept around a mother's journey has been so inspirational that Star wants to bring it in Hindi too".[10]

To celebrate Raksha Bandhan in 2020, the cast of the series created a special song titled Aaj Rakhi Nau Tyohaar Chhe (Today is Raksha Bandhan's festival). This unique song blended Gujarati, Hindi, and English languages.[11]

The story took a five-year leap on 20 December 2023, with Anuj and Anupamaa's divorce and Anupamaa visiting the USA.[12] On 15 July 2024, the show took another leap of six months showcasing Anupamaa and Anuj separately living miserable lives without Aadhya.[13] On 14 October 2024, the show took a ten-year leap showcasing Anupamaa finding Aadhya/Raahi and Raahi's love story with Prem Kothari.

Casting

Casting of the series started in February 2020 with Rupali Ganguly being cast as the protagonist Anupamaa Shah, returning to television after seven years.[14] She said, "When I joined Anupamaa, I was a little plump and I told our producer Rajan Shahi that you want a heroine and at this age, let me lose some weight. But the producer told me that he didn't want a heroine but a mother instead. ‘I want a mother and you are perfect for the role because mothers are like this."[15]

Sudhanshu Pandey was cast as Anupamaa's husband Vanraj Shah,[16] Paras Kalnawat, Muskaan Bamne and Aashish Mehrotra as Anupamaa's children Samar Shah, Pakhi Shah and Paritosh Shah respectively, Alpana Buch and Arvind Vaidya being cast as Anupamaa's in-laws Leela Shah and Hasmukh Shah respectively.[17][18][19][20][21][22] Later Madhavi Gogate and Mehul Nisar joined as Anupamaa's mother and brother, Kanta Joshi and Bhavesh Joshi, respectively, while Ekta Saraiya, Paresh Bhatt, Stuti Zakarde and Bhakti Chauhan were cast to play Dolly Shah Dhamecha, Sanjay Dhamecha, Meenakshi Dhamecha and Jhilmil respectively.[23][24][25] However, days before the filming resumed after the COVID-19 outbreak in late June, Additi Gupta was confirmed to be infected with the virus.[26][27] She was replaced by Madalsa Sharma and the sequences earlier shot by Gupta as Vanraj's girlfriend Kavya Gandhi, were reshot by Sharma.[28]

Days after premiering in July 2020, Shekhar Shukla was cast to play Leela's brother Jignesh while Nidhi Shah was cast opposite Mehrotra as Kinjal Dave and Tassnim Sheikh and Farooq Saeed were signed to play Kinjal's parents Rakhi Dave and Pramod Dave respectively.[29][30][31][32] The next month Anagha Bhosale was cast opposite Kalnawat as Nandini Iyer while Rushad Rana was cast as Kavya's husband Aniruddh Gandhi.[33][34] In April 2021, Apurva Agnihotri[35] joined the cast as Dr. Advait Khanna for a cameo and completed his role in June 2021.[36]

In June 2021, rumours of "conflicts and groupism on sets" arose between cast members, one group led by Ganguly with Buch, Mehrotra and Bamne, and another by Pandey, with Sharma, Kalnawat and Bhosale which cast denied.[37][38]

In late August 2021 Gaurav Khanna was cast opposite Ganguly as Anuj Kapadia.[39]

In September 2021, Deepak Gheewala was cast to play Anuj's helper Gopichandra Karodia.[40] Also that month, Varun Sharma was cast to play a cameo as Nandini's ex-boyfriend and obsessive lover Rohan and he finished off his role in October 2021. Next, Savita Prabhune replaced Madhavi Gogate (due to the latter's death) as Kanta Joshi in late October 2021.[41] In December 2021, actress Aneri Vajani joined the cast to play Anuj's sister, Malvika Kapadia.[42]

In January 2022, there were rumours of "ego clashes" between Pandey and Khanna, which they both publicly denied.[43]

In March 2022, Anagha Bhosale playing Nandini announced her decision to take a break from acting,[44] and later quit acting forever, ending Nandini's character and shot her last scene in February 2022.[45][46] Later that month, Aneri Vajani playing Malvika also announced that her role was just a cameo and right now its shown on a long break due to viewers' disconnect with her role's negative development.[47]

In May 2022, singer Mika Singh made a special appearance as Anuj's friend in Anupamaa and Anuj's Mehendi and Sangeet ceremony and to promote his upcoming show Swayamvar – Mika Di Vohti.[48] During that month, Aneri Vajani announced her decision to participate in Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 12 and quit the series permanently.[49][50]

Later that month, Rohit Bakshi[51] and Ashlesha Sawant[52] were cast to play Anuj's brother and sister-in-law, Ankush Kapadia and Barkha Mehta Kapadia respectively while Alma Hussein[53] and Adhik Mehta[54][55] were cast to play Barkha's daughter and brother, Sara Kapadia and Adhik Mehta opposite Kalnawat and Bamne respectively. In an interview after being cast as Adhik Mehta, Mehta revealed that "he earlier auditioned for the role of Samar (which eventually locked to Kalnawat) in the casting phase of the series but it didn't happened at that time".[56] Child artist Asmi Deo was also cast as an orphan Anu but her track was put on hold and resumed in July 2022 as Anuj and Anupamaa's adopted daughter.[57]

In July 2022, Paras Kalnawat signed on to appear on the dance-based reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 10 on rival network Colors TV. Anupamaa makers objected and terminated his contract overnight on 26 July 2022.[58] Kalnawat revealed that "after Bhosale's exit his character never evolved, and that he was unhappy with his role being reduced to a mere family member standing in background with nothing to do anything."[58][59][60][61] Later after facing several controversies related to the series, makers replaced Kalnawat overnight by Sagar Parekh in the same month.[62]

In September 2022, Alma Hussein who was cast opposite Kalnawat also quit the series, saying she was unhappy with the lack of character development and shot her last scene in early August 2022.[63][64]

In January 2023, actress Chhavi Pandey was cast to do an extended cameo of Anu's biological mother, Maya, who wrapped up in July 2023 following her character's death.[65] In May 2023, Apara Mehta was cast as Anuj's mother Malti Devi, while her daughter Khushali Jariwala played her younger version on screen and she quit the series prior to the first leap in December 2023.[66][67]

In August 2023, Ekta Saraiya, who portrayed Vanraj's sister Dolly, quit the series for her show Kyunki... Saas Maa Bahu Beti Hoti Hai on Zee TV. In same month, Viraj Kapoor entered the show as Ankush's illegitimate son Romil Kapadia.[68]

In October 2023, Sagar Parekh, who replaced Paras Kalnawat in the role of Samar in July 2022, was confirmed exiting the show with storyline showcasing Samar's death due to decreasing TRP ratings of the show.[69][70][71] In the following month actor and dancer Kunwar Amar joined the cast as Tapish opposite Nishi Saxena.[72]

In December 2023, the show took its first leap of five years. Post-leap, child actress Asmi Deo was replaced by Aurra Bhatnagar Badoni to play the adolescent version of Aadhya Kapadia[73] while Savita Prabhune's character Kanta was shown dead thus marking an end to her character. Child actor Trishaan Shah was cast to play Samar and Dimple's son Ansh Shah.[73] The same month Muskan Bamne portraying Pakhi quit the series after three years as "she doesn't wish to play mother at such a young age and wants to move ahead in her career"[74] and was later replaced by Chandni Bhagwanani[75] while child actor Aadhya Barot was cast as her daughter Ishani Mehta the same month.[76] Sukirti Kandpal too entered the show as Anuj's fiancée Shruti Ahuja the same month.[77] Following this Rituraj Singh and Dishi Duggal too entered the show as Yashpal and his mother.[78][79]

In April 2024, Aashish Mehrotra, who portrayed Paritosh, quit the series the following month after playing it for four years[80] to participate in Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 14[81] and was replaced by Gaurav Sharma the same month.[82][83] In July 2024, Sukirti Kandpal aka Shruti's track ended marking her exit.[84] In same month show took its second leap, a small leap of six months and Nitin Babu and Akshita Tiwari entered the show as Sagar and Nandita respectively[13] while Sonal Khilwani entered the show as the adult Meenakshi Dhamecha thus replacing Stuti Zakarde.[85]

On 28 August 2024, Sudhanshu Pandey announced his decision to quit the series after playing it for four years via his Instagram handle and said "his last appearance was in Raksha Bandhan special episodes and he will continue entertaining his audience through new roles."[86][87]

In 2024 after Sudhanshu Pandey quit the show, Ekta Saraiya Mehta, who played Dolly Shah Dhamecha from 2020 to 2023, rejoined and reprised her role the following month while Madalsa Sharma playing Kavya also quit the series as she felt she was "sidelined after removal of grey element from her character".[88] Later she said that Rupali Ganguly was "two-faced" thus confirming the earlier reported split amongst cast members in 2021.[89]

The show took its first generation leap on 14 October 2024 with Aurra Bhatnagar Badoni being replaced by Alisha Parveen[90][8] as grown-up Aadhya playing the new female lead whilst Shivam Khajuria was cast opposite her as Prem Kothari, the new male lead.[91][92] Prior to leap Nishi Saxena portraying Dimple too exited the series as the storyline showcased her character's death[93] while Kunwar Amar playing Tapish too announced his exit.[94] Gaurav Sharma was also replaced by Manish Naggdev as older Paritosh due to Sharma's refusal to play and be typecast "as a father of 21-year-old Aarya".[95][96] Additionally, Nidhi Shah, who has portrayed Kinjal since the show's inception, announced her exit before the leap as she "wants to focus more on other platforms and lead roles" and was replaced by Milloni Kapadia as older Kinjal.[92][97][98] Chandni Bhagwanani too announced her exit from the show prior to the leap as she too "didn't wanted to play mother to a 22-years-old Ishani" and was replaced by Krutika Desai as older Pakhi.[99][100][98] Child actors Trishaan Shah, Princy Prajapati, Aadhya Barot and Pahal Chaudhary were replaced by Varun Kasturia, Ishita Modi, Viidushi Tiwari and Spreha Chatterjee as grown-up Ansh, Aarya, Ishani and Mahi, respectively.[101][98]

In December 2024, Gaurav Khanna portraying Anuj Kapadia confirmed his exit quoting "He felt it was best time for him to move on and expose himself to new opportunities" while the storyline had already showcased Anuj dead.[102] On 20 December 2024, leading actress Alisha Parveen Khan was terminated overnight without any prior warning. Regarding her termination Khan said, "It is shocking and disappointing. I am not sure what exactly happened and why I am being replaced! Today was my last day on the set of Anupamaa."[103] Within few hours she was replaced by Adrija Roy.[104][105][9]

In early January 2025, Zalak Desai and Rahil Azam stepped in to play Prem's parents Khyati Kothari and Parag Kothari while Alka Kaushal stepped in as his grandmother thus bringing the track of a new Kothari family to the series while Sheersha Tiwari already started portraying his sister Prarthana Kothari in December 2024.[106][107][108] while Mazher Sayed who earlier worked with the production house in 2015 in another show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Shiwani Chakraborty joined in as Prem's uncle and aunt.[109]

In March 2025, actors Randeep Rai and Manish Goel joined as Prem's half-brother, Aryan Kothari and Raghav Singh, respectively.[110][111] However, Rai quit in June 2025, following the death of his character while Manish Goel playing Raghav also quit.[112][113] In the same month, the show took a leap of eight months, and Aarti Birajdar and Gurpreet Kaur entered as Bharti and Jaspreet respectively.[114] while veteran actor Kanwarjit Paintal entered as Pandit Manohar.[115]

Filming

Set in Gujarat, the series is mainly shot at Film City in Mumbai.[116][117] Some initial sequences were shot in Ahmedabad during early March 2020.[118]

On 13 February 2021, the filming was halted for a day for sanitisation when Paras Kalnawat playing Samar, tested positive for COVID-19 virus.[119] The sequences of Kalnawat with Anagha Bhosale playing Nandini were cancelled including proposal sequence of their characters and were replanned until his recovery and return in late February 2021. However he shot some sequences from his home under his and his mother's quarantine period.[120][121]

On 2 April 2021, Rupali Ganguly, Sudhanshu Pandey and Aashish Mehrotra who portray Anupamaa, Vanraj and Paritosh respectively and producer Rajan Shahi tested positive for COVID-19. Certain sequences were postponed and the story focused more on the characters Rakhi, Kavya and Leela while Ganguly, Pandey and Mehrotra shot for few sequences from their homes.[122][123] A few days later, Tassnim Sheikh, Alpana Buch and Nidhi Shah also tested positive for COVID-19 and the story focussed more on Samar, Nandini and Pakhi's characters.[124]

On 13 April 2021, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray announced a sudden curfew due to increased Covid cases in Maharashtra, while the production halted from 14 April 2021.[125] Hence, the production location was soon shifted temporarily to Silvassa alongside other shows of the production house.[126] In June 2021, the Maharashtra government permitted shooting within the state with certain restrictions, following which the whole cast and crew returned to Mumbai on 8 June 2021 and resumed shooting the following day.[127]

Controversy

On 14 November 2024, a 32-year-old, Vineet Kumar Mandal, who worked as a camera attendant was fatally electrocuted whilst filming. Following which AICWA lodged a case against the production house for negligence in safety measures of crew members on sets and trying to suppress the matter by being backed by the channel.[128]

Release

Initially scheduled to premiere on 16 March 2020, it was postponed due to the coronavirus scare. Anupamaa finally premiered on 13 July 2020 on Star Plus, replacing Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke.[129] Since 2 October 2022, it is broadcast daily along with other Star Plus's shows.[130]

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Prequel series

Main article: Anupama: Namaste America

An eleven-episode prequel web series, Anupama: Namaste America, was released on Disney+ Hotstar on 25 April 2022.[131] The story is set ten years after Anupamaa and Vanraj's marriage in the year 2005.[132][133]

Special episodes

Ravivaar With Star Parivaar (2022)

Main article: Ravivaar With Star Parivaar

The cast of Anupamaa participated as a team in the musical game show Ravivaar With Star Parivaar.[134] It competed with the teams of other Star Plus's shows.[135][136] Anupamaa emerged as the 2nd runner-up of the show.[137]

Crossovers

Anupamaa had three crossover with Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. The first was from 26 March 2022 to 28 March 2022,[138][139] the second from 21 December 2023 to 22 December 2023 and the third was on 19 August 2024.[140][141]

On 3 December 2023, Anupamaa had a crossover with Baatein Kuch Ankahee Si.[142]

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Reception

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Perspective

Critics

India Today stated, "Rupali Ganguly fits the character perfectly and aces the role of a Gujarati homemaker. The show strikes a chord with the homemakers as they can identify with the protagonist. Anupamaa has the right amount of emotions, drama, and spice. The show has the right mix of family values and a modern outlook. The show is a heartwarming tale".[143]

ThePrint appreciated the series, along with few other Hindi GECs based on the story of a mother, mentioning that it delivered moral lessons and calling the character Anupamaa a paragon of virtue and farcical.[144]

On its popularity, Yashika Singla of The Print noted, "It has become a feminist movement in itself. From young women commuting in the Metro to mothers and grandmothers at home, everyone is watching it."[145]

Shephali Bhatt of The Mint stated, "At a time when the plot points of Indian TV shows get more outlandish every day — Anupama seems to be rewriting the Indian television playbook".[146]

Anupamaa's (Rupali Ganguly) "aapko kya" dialogue went viral on social media and was the subject of various memes and recreations.[147][148][149]

In October 2024, after the fifteen-year generation leap in the story, netizens spotted similarities between the Aadhya-Anupamaa reunion track and reunion track of "Akshara-Naira"(2016) from Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, another popular soap of the same production house. The Times of India stated, "Now, fans have taken to their Instagram handles to find the exact same scene from the show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai when "Akshara" (Hina Khan) reunited with "Naira" (Shivangi Joshi) after a leap. As the fanpage posted both promos, many of them have commented, a user wrote, "Kitna vi kar le Akshara or naira jaisa nhi ho sakta" (They can never match Akshara and Naira)."[150]

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Adaptations

Star Plus's Anupamaa is an official Hindi remake of Star Jalsha's Sreemoyee.[151] However its Marathi remake, Aai Kuthe Kay Karte, and Anupamaa both are produced by same producer Rajan Shahi under Director's Kut Productions and follow the same plot.[152]

Awards and nominations

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References

External links

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