Television actor Rupali Ganguly, widely recognized for her lead role in the daily drama Anupamaa, was overcome with emotion during an appearance at FICCI Frames 2026 in Mumbai. Reflecting on her father, filmmaker Anil Ganguly, she broke down in tears while recounting his lifelong ambition to own a home in Mumbai. After years of financial hardship following severe family setbacks, Ganguly leveraged the monumental success and earnings from her television show to purchase her very first apartment in Worli, finally turning her father's unfulfilled dream into reality.
Loss of Assets in Filmmaking and Moving into Rented Homes
During the session, Ganguly openly reflected on her childhood days and the deep crisis her family had to endure. She recalled that her father Anil Ganguly was a prominent director of his era, but the cinema industry functioned very differently back then. Without the corporate backing that exists today, filmmakers frequently staked their personal properties and savings to finance projects. Eventually, a string of circumstances wiped out everything her father possessed, forcing the entire family to shift into rented accommodations. Ganguly remarked that while she was technically from a film family background, their reality was stripped down to basic survival, driven only by her father's lingering dream of owning a residence in the city.
Three Auditions and Walking Across Worli Without Bus Fare
Rajan Shahi, the producer of Anupamaa, was also present at the event and shared key details about the severe struggles Ganguly faced before landing the titular role. Shahi revealed that securing the part required three separate auditions. In the opening round, she was rejected, yet she reached out and requested another opportunity to prove herself. Shahi recounted that during those trying days, Ganguly lacked even the basic money needed for bus fare. To save every rupee, she would travel entirely on foot from Worli to the audition venue. Shahi noted that witnessing her journey from having no travel money to commanding household fame fills him with immense pride today.
Anil Ganguly Cinematic Legacy and Independent Recognition
Anil Ganguly built an acclaimed career in Hindi cinema as an accomplished screenwriter and director. His filmography featured prominent commercial and critical successes including Kora Kagaz, Tapasya, and Saheb, which also earned him National Award honors during his career. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 82. Ganguly emphasized that she consciously avoided relying on her father's professional reputation or contacts to pave her path in the industry. Choosing to establish her own credentials through persistent effort, she refused to abandon acting despite prolonged dry spells, eventually finding career-defining success through television.
