Anupamaa is an Indian Hindi-language television drama series that premiered on Star Plus on 13 July 2020. Produced by Rajan Shahi under the banner Director's Kut Productions, the show is a remake of the Bengali serial Sreemoyee, which aired on Star Jalsha. It also streams digitally on Disney+ Hotstar (now JioHotstar).
The series stars Rupali Ganguly in the title role of Anupamaa, a devoted homemaker who, after years of self-sacrifice for her family, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Since its launch, the show has consistently ranked among the most-watched Hindi general entertainment programmes in India.
| Title | Anupamaa |
|---|---|
| Genre | Family drama |
| Language | Hindi |
| Original network | Star Plus |
| Streaming platform | Disney+ Hotstar / JioHotstar |
| Premiere date | 13 July 2020 |
| Producer | Rajan Shahi |
| Production house | Director's Kut Productions |
| Lead actor | Rupali Ganguly |
| Based on | Sreemoyee (Bengali, Star Jalsha) |
| Setting | Ahmedabad and Mumbai |
The show is an adaptation of Sreemoyee, created by Leena Gangopadhyay and Saibal Banerjee, which itself is set against the backdrop of an Indian middle-class family. The Hindi version was localised to a Gujarati family setting based in Ahmedabad, with the protagonist's character drawn as a middle-aged woman whose identity has been subsumed within her domestic responsibilities.
Rajan Shahi, known for long-running Star Plus serials such as Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Bidaai, developed the Hindi adaptation. The series was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, replacing earlier popular slots on the channel.
The narrative centres on Anupamaa Shah, a self-effacing housewife who lives with her husband Vanraj Shah, their three children, and her in-laws in Ahmedabad. Anupamaa's life takes a turn when she discovers her husband's extramarital affair with his colleague Kavya. The story tracks her transformation as she rediscovers her individuality, pursues her passion for dance, and rebuilds her life on her own terms. Subsequent storylines explore her relationship with businessman Anuj Kapadia and the evolving dynamics of the extended Shah family.
The serial is shot primarily in Mumbai, with portions and storyline references rooted in Ahmedabad's cultural milieu, including Gujarati attire, cuisine, and traditions. Rajan Shahi is credited as the producer, while members of the Director's Kut Productions team handle direction in rotation. The dialogue is written in Hindi with occasional use of Gujarati phrases and customs to reinforce the family's cultural identity.
Within weeks of its premiere, Anupamaa rose to the top of the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India ratings for Hindi general entertainment channels and remained among the highest-rated programmes for an extended period. The show has been credited with reviving the family drama format on Indian primetime television and for centring its narrative on a middle-aged female protagonist, a relative rarity in the genre.
Rupali Ganguly's performance in the title role has been widely recognised at Indian television award ceremonies, including the Indian Telly Awards and the Star Parivaar Awards. The series has also generated considerable engagement on social media and digital streaming platforms.