Television actress Rupali Ganguly, known for her lead role in the popular series Anupamaa, has taken legal action against her stepdaughter, Esha Verma, following allegations that Ganguly was responsible for breaking up Esha’s parents’ marriage. Ganguly filed a defamation suit on November 11, demanding Rs 50 crore in damages, alleging that Esha’s claims have damaged her personal and professional reputation.

The legal dispute centers around accusations from Esha, the daughter of Ganguly’s husband Ashwin K Verma and his former wife, Sapna Verma. Esha claims that Ganguly “mentally, emotionally, and physically” abused both her and her mother, and that Ganguly’s actions contributed to the breakdown of her parents’ marriage.

Ganguly had previously chosen to remain silent on these allegations but has now decided to address them publicly and through the legal system. Her lawyer, Sana Raees Khan, who also participated in Bigg Boss 17, is representing her in the case. According to Khan, Ganguly was particularly troubled by Esha’s statements involving her young son, Rudransh, who is 11 years old.

In an official statement, Khan’s team outlined the reasons behind the defamation suit, emphasizing that Ganguly is seeking to protect her reputation from what she considers baseless accusations. “We have issued a defamation notice to her stepdaughter in response to her false and damaging statements,” the statement read. “Rupali Ganguly firmly stands against the use of defamatory tactics for publicity. These baseless allegations were clearly intended to harm her reputation and capitalise on her public standing. Such actions have not only caused emotional distress but have also unfairly tarnished her personal and professional integrity.”

The feud resurfaced when a 2020 social media post by Esha began circulating online, leading her to reiterate the allegations in a recent video statement. In the video, Esha alleged that Ganguly had an affair with her father, Ashwin, while he was still married to her mother. Esha described Ganguly as “controlling” and “abusive,” even claiming that the actress made death threats toward her and her mother.

Esha’s parents divorced in 2008, and Ashwin married Ganguly in 2013, the same year the couple welcomed their son, Rudransh.