Ektaa Kapoor hails Anupamaa as 'most iconic character on Indian television'
Synopsis
At an awards night where Rupali Ganguly handed her a trophy, Ektaa Kapoor called Anupamaa 'one of the most iconic characters on Indian television' — a rare peer-to-peer tribute that underlines just how deeply the show, now past 2,000 episodes, has reshaped the landscape of Indian prime-time storytelling.
Key Takeaways
Ektaa Kapoor called Rupali Ganguly 's Anupamaa 'one of the most iconic characters on Indian television' at a recent awards event.
Rupali Ganguly was honoured as the 'Most Popular Television Actress' at the same ceremony.
Anupamaa premiered on StarPlus on 13 July 2020 and has surpassed 2,000 episodes .
Rupali Ganguly is a BJP member and recently posted on X condemning alleged vandalism during Gen Z protests at Jantar Mantar, Delhi .
Television producer Ektaa Kapoor has described Rupali Ganguly's portrayal of Anupamaa as 'one of the most iconic characters on Indian television,' delivering the tribute in person at a recent awards ceremony where Ganguly herself presented Kapoor with a trophy.
What Ektaa Kapoor Said
'Can you imagine getting an award from the Anupamaa! What an honour, what an honour! One of the most iconic characters on Indian television… and one of the nicest girls I know and so pretty!' Kapoor said, visibly moved by the moment.
The occasion carried added weight because Rupali Ganguly was simultaneously recognised as the 'Most Popular Television Actress' at the same event, making the evening a double celebration for the actress and her long-running show.
About the Show Anupamaa
Anupamaa premiered on StarPlus on 13 July 2020 and has since crossed 2,000 episodes, cementing its place among India's longest-running daily soaps. The drama charts the transformation of a self-sacrificing homemaker — neglected and betrayed by her family — into a woman who reclaims her identity, independence, and self-respect. Its sustained dominance in television ratings has made Rupali Ganguly one of the most recognised faces on Indian television.
Rupali Ganguly Beyond the Screen
Away from the sets, Rupali Ganguly is also a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has been vocal on political and social issues through her social media platforms. During the recent Gen Z protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, she condemned what she described as alleged vandalism by some participants.
In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), Ganguly wrote: 'Those who take the law into their own hands, vandalize public property, and attack the police cannot be called students. Such actions only weaken a legitimate cause. The demand for justice over paper leaks is valid. Students deserve a fair examination system, accountability, and strong safeguards to ensure that such incidents never happen again.'
She added: 'Unfortunately, when violence replaces peaceful protest, genuine student concerns risk being overshadowed. If anti-national or politically motivated elements exploit student movements for their own agenda, it harms the very students seeking justice. India stands with its students.'
What's Next for Anupamaa
With no announcement of a conclusion in sight, Anupamaa continues to air on StarPlus, and Kapoor's public endorsement is expected to further spotlight the show's cultural footprint. The series remains a benchmark for women-centric storytelling in Indian prime-time television.
Point of View
It speaks to Anupamaa's cross-industry cultural weight. The show's longevity past 2,000 episodes in an era of shrinking attention spans is genuinely unusual, and Rupali Ganguly's dual identity as a prime-time actress and BJP voice adds a dimension that mainstream entertainment coverage tends to underplay. The two roles are increasingly inseparable in how audiences and political observers alike read her public statements.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Ektaa Kapoor say about Anupamaa?
Ektaa Kapoor called Anupamaa 'one of the most iconic characters on Indian television' at a recent awards event where Rupali Ganguly presented her with a trophy. She also described Ganguly as 'one of the nicest girls I know.'
What award did Rupali Ganguly receive at the event?
Rupali Ganguly was honoured as the 'Most Popular Television Actress' at the same ceremony where she presented Ektaa Kapoor with an award.
How long has Anupamaa been on air?
Anupamaa premiered on StarPlus on 13 July 2020 and has crossed 2,000 episodes, making it one of India's longest-running daily soaps.
What is Anupamaa about?
The show follows a simple homemaker who, after being neglected and betrayed by her family, rebuilds her life with self-respect, independence, and love. It is a women-centric drama that has consistently topped Indian television ratings.
What did Rupali Ganguly post about the Gen Z protests?
Rupali Ganguly posted a lengthy note on X condemning alleged vandalism during Gen Z protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, saying those who attack police and destroy public property 'cannot be called students.' She also acknowledged the validity of student demands over paper leaks and said 'India stands with its students.'
