Rupali Ganguly Reveals Rajan Shahi Rejected Her Mid-Audition Early On

Television star Rupali Ganguly recently shared a story of early rejection by filmmaker Rajan Shahi, who stopped her audition midway. She insisted on a second chance the next day, auditioned for hours, and ultimately landed the role, marking the start of her TV career. Ganguly, now famous for 'Anupamaa', has had a consistent career spanning about 26 years, with a break for motherhood. She reflected on this journey in a candid conversation with Farah Khan.

Key Points: Rupali Ganguly Recalls Rejection by Rajan Shahi

  • Early career rejection
  • Persistence paid off
  • Break for motherhood
  • 26-year TV journey
  • Viral fame from Anupamaa
2 min read

Rupali Ganguly recalls being rejected by Rajan Shahi: He stopped my audition midway

Rupali Ganguly reveals Rajan Shahi stopped her audition midway. She persisted, got a second chance, and began her TV journey.

"He stopped my audition midway and said okay, fine. - Rupali Ganguly"

Mumbai, March 29

Television superstar Rupali Ganguly recently opened up about facing rejection early in her career, recalling how filmmaker Rajan Shahi had initially turned her down in her initial days of audition.

In a candid conversation with Farah Khan on her YouTube vlog, Rupali spoke about her adventurous journey into television despite coming from a Bollywood film background.

Farah, who mentioned that she knew Rupali's father, Anil Ganguly, was a well-known filmmaker and that Rupali had already done a few films, asked how her transition to television happened.

That's when Rupali shared her story, saying, "I left everything and joined a catering college. I joined Dadar Catering and thought I would cook food there because the salary of a chef is good."

She added, "But once the bug of acting bites you, it never leaves. I was doing theatre with Janak Toprani and Dinesh Kapoor. From there, I think Shobha De saw me and cast me for her show Sukanya. But before that show could start, Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahi began, which was Rajan Shahi's first directorial."

"When I went for Rajan ji's audition, I got rejected. He stopped my audition midway and said okay, fine. When I came out, I wondered what this was because there are so many people in line and you don't even know what the role is. Later, I found out it was a double role. So I insisted on giving the audition again."

She further added, "I went back the next day and asked for one more chance. He agreed and made me perform several scenes, around eight scenes over three to three-and-a-half hours, and then he finally cast me. That's how my television journey began."

The Sarabhai vs Sarabhai actress added that her journey has been long and consistent, saying, "My first show aired in 2000, so it's been around 26 years. In between, I took a break of about six to six-and-a-half years because of my son, Rudransh."

Talking about Rupali, the actress is best known for her role in the hit show Anupamaa, where she plays the titular character.

Her dialogues and emotional scenes from the show frequently go viral on social media.

On the personal front, Rupali is married to Ashwin Verma, an advertising professional, and the couple are parents to a son, Rudransh.

Her brother, Vijay Ganguly, is a prominent choreographer in Bollywood and is currently ruling the roost.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Aman W
Respect to Rajan Shahi for giving her that second chance after she insisted. Sometimes a 'no' is just a test of how badly you want it. Her journey from catering college to TV superstar is truly desi-style jugaad and passion combined!
S
Sarah B
It's interesting that she comes from a Bollywood film family but still had to struggle and face rejection. Goes to show that connections can only get you so far; talent and determination are what really count. Love her in Anupamaa!
R
Rohit P
Stopping an audition midway sounds quite harsh, to be honest. Must have been very demotivating for a newcomer. Glad it worked out for her, but I hope casting directors are more considerate now.
K
Kavya N
Her taking a long break for her son is so relatable for many Indian women. We often have to put careers on hold for family. Hats off to her for making such a powerful comeback with Anupamaa! She's a role model. 💖
V
Vikram M
From *Sarabhai vs Sarabhai* to *Anupamaa*, she has shown incredible range. Monisha to Anupamaa is like chalk and cheese! True testament to her acting skills. More power to her!

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