The 71st National Film Awards created a huge stir online. Major stars like Shah Rukh Khan (Best Actor for Jawan), Rani Mukerji (Best Actress for Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway), and Vikrant Massey (Best Actor for 12th Fail) received top honors. As the film industry celebrated these wins, one television star raised an important question.

Rupali Ganguly Highlights TV’s Absence at National Awards

Rupali Ganguly, known for her lead role in Anupamaa, expressed disappointment over the television industry being ignored at the National Awards. While speaking to paparazzi account Viral Bhayani, she said,
"There are National Awards for everyone from film stars to content creators. But there’s nothing for TV artistes."

She pointed out that TV actors worked tirelessly, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when others could pause shooting.
"Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, others had the advantage of delaying their shooting schedules, but we kept working. When a film star works continuously, it makes headlines. But no one talked about how we, the TV artists, worked non-stop from 6 am to 6 pm during the pandemic."

Rupali added a heartfelt request to the government, "I request the government to consider us also. We work very hard; it'll be nice to have some validation."

Ganguly Welcomes Smriti Irani’s TV Return

Rupali also spoke about former actress and current politician Smriti Irani returning to television with a reboot of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. She hoped Irani’s comeback would draw more attention to the TV industry.
"Smriti Irani returned to TV with the new version of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, and it’s airing on the same channel as my show. I am very proud that Smriti ji returned to TV, it's such a big validation. Her comeback will make a lot of difference, and it will bring all the eyes back to television."

Smriti Irani first became famous through the original version of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Her return in the reboot has made fans nostalgic. The new version is already gaining popularity. It features other actors like Hiten Tejwani, Amar Upadhyay, Gauri Pradhan, and Kamalika Guha Thakurta.

Anupamaa Still Reigns on TV

While Irani’s comeback is drawing attention, Anupamaa continues to top the TRP charts for the fifth straight year. Rupali Ganguly’s portrayal of the lead character has made her one of the most beloved faces on Indian television.

Despite rumors suggesting tension between the teams of Anupamaa and the Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi reboot, Rupali Ganguly and producer Ektaa Kapoor have denied any such conflict. They urged fans not to compare the two shows and instead support both.