Rupali Ganguly has urged the government to introduce National Awards for television actors, highlighting their relentless work during the pandemic and ongoing lack of recognition compared to film stars and digital creators
Mumbai: Television star Rupali Ganguly has called for national-level recognition for TV actors, saying it's high time their hard work was acknowledged on par with film stars and content creators. Her statement comes in the wake of the recently announced 71st National Film Awards, where big names like Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Vikrant Massey were honoured.
At a recent event in Mumbai, the Anupamaa actor passionately addressed the media, highlighting the disparity in recognition between different entertainment mediums. Watch the clip below:
“There are National Awards for everyone – film stars, OTT actors, even content creators. But nothing for TV artists,” Rupali said during a candid chat with paparazzi.
“Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, while others could pause shoots, we continued working tirelessly. When a film star works continuously, it makes headlines. But no one spoke about how we, the TV actors, shot from 6 am to 6 pm every single day,” she added, urging the government to consider a national honour for television performers. “It’ll be nice to have some validation.”
Rupali, one of the highest-paid TV actors in India, has become a household name through her role in Anupamaa, the official Hindi remake of the Bengali show Sreemoyee, originally led by Indrani Haldar. The Hindi version is helmed by popular TV producer Rajan Shahi.
The actor also addressed speculation about an alleged rivalry with former TV star and Union Minister Smriti Irani, whose return to television in a reboot of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi has drawn comparisons online.
Brushing off any rumours of tension, Rupali said, “I’m proud that Smriti ji is back. Her comeback is a huge validation for the medium. It will bring a lot more attention and respect to television. There's no competition — just celebration.”
As the television industry continues to evolve with changing viewer habits and increasing competition from OTT platforms, Rupali's comments spotlight the ongoing debate about the value and visibility of TV artists in India’s entertainment ecosystem.
Published: 05 Aug 2025, 11:16 am IST
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