Actress Nidhi Shetty, who portrays Prerna in the long-running television drama Anupamaa, says the show's power lies in its unflinching mirror to domestic realities that millions of Indian families still navigate daily. Speaking on 21 July, Shetty reflected on why the series continues to resonate — and what it means to play a character at the centre of its most charged storylines.

Why Anupamaa Connects with Viewers

Shetty attributes the show's enduring audience bond to its grounded storytelling. “One of the reasons Anupamaa connects so deeply with viewers is because it reflects situations that people experience in real life. Through Prerna’s journey, we’re talking about issues that still exist in many families,” she said.

She added that even a modest shift in viewer mindset counts as a win. “If even a few people stop and rethink these mindsets after watching the show, that’s a big achievement. As an actor, it’s always fulfilling to be part of a story that not only entertains but also encourages conversations and brings attention to important social issues.”

The Emotional Logic Behind Prerna's Confrontation

A recent track featuring Prerna in a high-stakes emotional confrontation drew significant viewer attention. Shetty was careful to frame it beyond surface-level conflict. “I approached this scene by focusing on Prerna’s emotions rather than her anger. She’s not fighting because of the clothes she’s wearing — she’s fighting because she’s tired of being judged for something so personal,” she explained.

At the heart of the scene, she said, was a double standard many women recognise. “What hurt her the most was the double standard, where the same choices are acceptable for a daughter but questioned when it comes to a daughter-in-law.” Shetty believes this dynamic will strike a chord with a large section of the audience: “The message is simple: respect shouldn’t depend on what a woman wears or what role she holds in the family. Every woman deserves the freedom to make her own choices without being judged.”

A Role That Hits Close to Home

Shetty acknowledged that the themes she enacts on screen are not entirely unfamiliar to her off it. As both an actress and a content creator, she said she has faced appearance-based judgement firsthand. “People often form opinions based on pictures or videos without really knowing who you are. There have been times when I’ve felt judged because of the way I dressed, but over time I realised that you can never satisfy everyone. What matters is being comfortable and confident in your own skin.”

Prerna's Property Claim: Dignity, Not Greed

The current storyline sees Prerna asserting her right to a share of the family property — a plot point that has generated debate among viewers. Shetty was keen to correct what she sees as a misreading of the character's intent. “Prerna has reached a point where she wants dignity, stability, and the chance to make her own decisions. Asking for her share isn’t about greed — it’s about wanting the security to build a future on her own terms.”

Anupamaa, produced by Deepa Shahi and Rajan Shahi, stars Rupali Ganguly in the lead role. The show remains one of Indian television's most-watched daily dramas, consistently charting its social commentary alongside family drama.