Anupamaa is an Indian Hindi-language television drama that premiered on July 13, 2020, on StarPlus, with streaming available on Disney+ Hotstar. Produced by Rajan Shahi and Deepa Shahi under Director’s Kut Productions, the show is a remake of the Bengali series Sreemoyee aired on Star Jalsha. The series stars Rupali Ganguly in the lead role of Anupamaa, supported by Sudhanshu Pandey, Madalsa Sharma, and Gaurav Khanna. As of October 2024, the show features a shift in its focus with Ganguly, Adrija Roy (replacing Alisha Parveen Khan), and Shivam Khajuria playing the second-generation leads.
Plot Summary
Anupamaa revolves around the journey of Anupamaa, a middle-aged housewife who dedicates her entire life to her family. Her emotional anchors are her younger son Samar and her father-in-law Hasmukh. However, things take a dramatic turn when, on their 25th wedding anniversary, Anupamaa finds out that her husband, Vanraj, has been unfaithful with his colleague Kavya. This betrayal leads Anupamaa to set out on a path to find her own identity, breaking free from her mundane life.
As the story unfolds, Anupamaa’s older son Paritosh marries Kinjal, while Samar falls in love with Nandini, Kavya’s niece. The plot takes a further dramatic twist when Anupamaa and Vanraj divorce, and he eventually marries Kavya after her own divorce from her husband Aniruddh.
Anupamaa finds a new sense of purpose when she, along with Samar and Nandini, opens a dance academy. However, Nandini breaks up with Samar due to insecurities and misunderstandings. Later, Anupamaa reconnects with her old college friend, Anuj Kapadia, who has been in love with her for years. They eventually fall in love and get married. The couple also adopts a girl named Chhoti Anu, but Anupamaa struggles to juggle her responsibilities between her two families.
The drama intensifies when Kinjal has a baby girl, Aarya, but discovers that Paritosh has been unfaithful. Despite the turmoil, they reconcile for the sake of their child. Meanwhile, Anupamaa’s daughter Pakhi marries Adhik, Anuj’s sister-in-law’s foster son. Samar marries Dimple, a rape survivor who faces rejection from her first husband after the assault.
However, Anuj and Anupamaa’s relationship faces a major setback due to misunderstandings involving Maya, Chhoti Anu’s biological mother. Anuj moves to Mumbai with Chhoti Anu, and Anupamaa decides to go to the USA for three years with her spiritual guide, Gurumaa Malti Devi. Tragedy strikes when Maya dies, and Anupamaa, with the help of Pakhi, reconciles with Anuj. The storyline continues with shocking revelations, such as Kavya being pregnant with her ex-husband’s child and Adhik’s abusive behavior towards Pakhi.
In a dramatic turn, Anuj is revealed to be Malti Devi’s estranged son, whom she abandoned for her career. Anuj, initially resentful, eventually accepts her back into his life. Tragedy continues when Samar dies, leaving Dimple pregnant. The tension builds as Malti Devi, Barkha, and Pakhi manipulate Chhoti Anu into feeling neglected by Anupamaa. A car accident involving Anupamaa and her family members leads to escalating emotional drama.
The series takes another dark turn when Anuj and Anupamaa’s bond faces a severe test after their divorce. In the years that follow, Anupamaa’s life takes several twists and turns. She owns a cooking business, Anu Ki Rasoi, and starts a social media channel, donating proceeds to old-age homes. Meanwhile, Anuj lives in the USA with Chhoti Anu, now renamed Aadhya, who is struggling with emotional turmoil. Anupamaa, determined to find her daughter, faces numerous challenges while reconnecting with Aadhya.
As time passes, Anupamaa’s journey of self-discovery continues. She forms new connections, supports her family through their personal struggles, and continues to fight for justice and the well-being of the people she loves. Amidst all the familial drama, Anupamaa’s resilience, strength, and love continue to inspire viewers, making her an unforgettable character in Indian television.
Future Developments
As the story moves forward, Anupamaa faces more hurdles. Her relationships with her children, especially with Aadhya, face new tests. Anuj, while living in the USA, still grapples with his past and the mental toll of his life’s upheavals. Anupamaa, however, does not give up on her family. She continues to support them emotionally and strives to rebuild relationships with her loved ones, even as tensions mount.
In a final twist, Anupamaa’s story reaches new heights when she unites with her long-lost daughter Aadhya and fights to ensure her family stays united, despite the growing challenges that threaten to tear them apart.
This ongoing drama unfolds in real-time, reflecting the complexities of family dynamics, personal growth, and the eternal pursuit of happiness and peace.