The Portrayal of Anupamaa and Rahi in Anupamaa: A Critique of Sacrificial Tropes and Adoption Narratives

The Indian television show Anupamaa has captivated audiences since its inception, largely due to its titular character, Anupamaa, portrayed by Rupali Ganguly. Lauded for its initial progressive take on a woman’s journey toward self-empowerment, the show has garnered praise for addressing themes like divorce, domestic violence, and personal growth. However, as the series has evolved, its portrayal of Anupamaa as a perpetually sacrificing, beleaguered protagonist and the troubling depiction of her adopted daughter Rahi (Aadhya) have sparked significant debate. This article critically examines the problematic messaging embedded in these narratives, questioning what the show is selling to its audience—particularly women—and why such tropes persist in Indian television.

The Bechari Archetype: Anupamaa’s Endless Sacrifices

At its core, Anupamaa began as a refreshing narrative, showcasing a woman breaking free from the shackles of a toxic marriage to pursue her dreams. Anupamaa’s journey from a submissive housewife to an independent woman running a dance academy and a cooking channel was initially empowering. However, as the show progressed, it leaned heavily into the “bechari” archetype—a suffering, self-sacrificing female lead who endures endless mistreatment yet remains devoted to her ex-husband’s family. This portrayal raises a critical question: what message is Anupamaa sending to its predominantly female audience?

The show’s insistence on depicting Anupamaa as a martyr who prioritizes her ex-husband Vanraj’s family—despite their consistent disrespect and emotional abuse—perpetuates a harmful stereotype. Posts on X reflect viewer frustration, with users like @naz_maan2022 and @RasodaQueen calling out Anupamaa’s “obsession” with her “abusive” ex-family and her “mahanta” (selfless) traits that border on self-destruction. This narrative suggests that women must endure toxicity and sacrifice their own happiness to maintain familial harmony, a message that feels regressive in 2025, when women are increasingly advocating for self-respect and boundaries.

By glorifying Anupamaa’s sacrifices, the show risks romanticizing suffering as a noble trait. Her continued involvement with the Shah family, despite their mistreatment, undermines her growth and sends a troubling message to viewers: a woman’s worth lies in her ability to endure pain and prioritize others, even at the cost of her own dignity. This trope is not only outdated but also dangerous, as it normalizes emotional abuse and discourages women from prioritizing their mental health.

Rahi’s Vile Turn: A Problematic Adoption Narrative

The storyline involving Rahi, Anupamaa’s adopted daughter (previously known as Aadhya), further complicates the show’s messaging. Introduced as the adopted daughter of Anupamaa and Anuj, Rahi’s character arc has taken a dark turn, portraying her as resentful, entitled, and openly hostile toward her mother. Social media sentiment on X highlights viewer outrage, with users like @d_neelu44810 and @pranjali_11 labeling Rahi as “abusive,” “selfish,” and even a “villain” for her behavior toward Anupamaa. This depiction is disheartening and raises concerns about the show’s portrayal of adoption.

Rahi’s transformation into a “vile” character seems to stem from her unresolved trauma and feelings of abandonment, particularly after the presumed death of Anuj and her time in an orphanage. However, the show’s handling of her character arc is problematic. Instead of exploring her pain with nuance or showing her journey toward healing, Anupamaa reduces Rahi to a one-dimensional antagonist who repeatedly rejects and insults her mother. This narrative choice risks perpetuating a harmful stereotype: that adopted children are inherently ungrateful or prone to turning against their parents.

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The show’s depiction of Rahi’s strained relationship with Anupamaa also sends a discouraging message about adoption. By focusing on Rahi’s rebellion and ingratitude, Anupamaa implicitly suggests that adoptive relationships are fraught with conflict and that adopted children may never fully integrate into their families. This is particularly troubling given that Anupamaa’s biological children—Pakhi and Toshu—are also portrayed as selfish and ungrateful, yet their behavior is not framed with the same intensity as Rahi’s. This double standard reinforces a narrative that adoption is inherently riskier than biological parenting, a message that could deter potential adoptive parents and stigmatize adopted children.

What Are They Trying to Sell?

The overarching question is: what is Anupamaa trying to sell to its audience? The show’s reliance on melodrama, endless suffering, and dysfunctional family dynamics seems designed to keep viewers hooked through high-stakes emotional conflicts. However, this comes at the cost of meaningful storytelling. By portraying Anupamaa as a perpetually suffering figure and Rahi as an ungrateful adopted daughter, the show prioritizes sensationalism over substance.

For women, the message is clear but troubling: sacrifice is a woman’s ultimate virtue, and even adopted children may betray you. This narrative undermines the show’s initial promise of empowerment and risks alienating viewers who seek authentic, progressive stories.

A Call for Change

Anupamaa has the potential to be a trailblazer in Indian television, given its massive viewership and cultural impact. However, to truly resonate with modern audiences, it must move beyond outdated tropes. Here are a few suggestions for course correction:

1. Empower Anupamaa Authentically: Allow Anupamaa to set boundaries with the Shah family and prioritize her own happiness. Her journey should reflect resilience through self-respect, not endless sacrifice.
2. Nuance Rahi’s Character: Instead of vilifying Rahi, explore her trauma with depth and show her path to reconciliation with Anupamaa. Adoption narratives should be handled with care to avoid perpetuating stereotypes.
3. Challenge Stereotypes: Move away from the “bechari” archetype and portray women as multifaceted individuals who can be strong, flawed, and self-assured without being defined by suffering.
4. Focus on Healing: Shift the narrative toward healing and growth, both for Anupamaa and Rahi, to offer viewers a hopeful, relatable story.

Conclusion

Anupamaa began as a beacon of hope for women seeking empowerment, but its reliance on sacrificial tropes and problematic adoption narratives has diluted its impact. The portrayal of Anupamaa as a suffering martyr and Rahi as a rebellious, ungrateful daughter sends disheartening messages about women’s roles and adoptive relationships. Indian television must evolve to reflect the complexities of modern women’s lives, prioritizing stories that uplift rather than glorify suffering. For Anupamaa to reclaim its progressive roots, it must let go of outdated archetypes and embrace narratives that empower, inspire, and resonate with today’s audience.