TV star Rupali Ganguly calls for National Awards for television actors; Sooraj Barjatya backs her, praises actors’ hard work

Popular television actress Rupali Ganguly, known for her powerful performance in the hit show Anupamaa, has become a household name across India. Over the years, she has impressed audiences with her acting skills and strong screen presence. However, it is her role as Anupamaa that brought her unmatched popularity and love from viewers not just in India, but also abroad.

Recently, Rupali shared her opinion that television actors deserve recognition at the National Awards level. Her statement sparked a conversation in the industry about the importance and hard work of TV actors.

Veteran filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya supported Rupali’s view. Speaking about her statement, he said, “I absolutely believe they should. TV is an art form, and it demands 

immense hard work. If you visit a TV set, you’ll see – it’s minimum 12–14 hours of continuous work. In films, actors still get breathers, but in TV, actors must continuously live their roles. Directors shoot under tough conditions and still create emotional stories. If I were asked to direct one episode, I’d take a week! So yes, National Awards should definitely include television actors.”

Sooraj’s support has added weight to the ongoing discussion around giving equal recognition to TV talent.

On the work front, Rupali Ganguly continues to lead Anupamaa, which remains the highest-rated show on Indian television. Her strong performance and emotional depth in the role have earned her a massive fan following. With years of dedication and consistent work, she continues to shine both on and off the screen.