Rupali Ganguly Files Defamation Against Stepdaughter: Case So Far

Actor Rupali Ganguly, known for the hit show Anupamaa, has filed a defamation notice against her stepdaughter, Esha Verma, seeking Rs 50 crore in damages for allegedly tarnishing her reputation and personal life. The notice was filed in response to what Rupali describes as "false and damaging statements" shared by Esha. This legal action, led by Rupali's lawyer, Sana Raees Khan, aims to protect the actor's image.

Rupali Ganguly Files Rs 50 Crore Defamation Case Against Stepdaughter

The notice, directed to Esha, mentions that Rupali Ganguly was taken aback by the posts and remarks made by Esha across social media platforms such as Twitter (now X), Instagram, and Facebook. The document also emphasises that the notice serves to clarify the accurate facts of the situation.

The report further states that Rupali suffered emotional trauma as a result of these statements, prompting medical care and that she was humiliated on set, resulting in the loss of professional chances. The notice states that, while the actor first opted to keep silent out of respect, she was obliged to take legal action after she and her husband Ashwin Verma's 11-year-old son were drawn into the situation. She has also requested an urgent and unreserved public apology. Failure to comply will result in additional legal action, as specified in the notification.

The legal notice further said that Rupali had been friends with Ashwin for 12 years before his divorce from his second wife (Esha's mother) in 2009. It was stated that the actor and her husband, Ashwin Verma, had attempted to boost Esha's career by arranging photoshoots and special audition arrangements to help her break into the entertainment world.

It all started when Esha Verma accused Rupali of being a "psychotic woman" and made several revelations about Rupali and Ashwin's relationship; she also claimed that the actor “physically hit” her mother. While Rupali remained silent on the matter until now, Ashwin had responded to the allegations.

Rupali Ganguly & Step-Daughter’s Controversy: 5 Key Details

Rupali Ganguly's Marriage to Ashwin Verma

Rupali Ganguly married Ashwin Verma in 2013, and the couple welcomed a son in the same year. Ashwin has two daughters from his previous marriages, with Esha being the youngest.

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Esha's Allegations 

In a 2020 post, Esha Verma accused Rupali of having a long-term affair with Ashwin while he was still married to Esha's mother. Esha claimed Rupali is "cruel-hearted" and tried to separate her and her sister from their father.

She stated, "I’m speaking out because she claims all over the media that she has a happy marriage with my dad, when in reality she’s controlling and psychotic towards him." She alleged that Rupali yells threats whenever she tries to contact Ashwin.

Esha's Reaction to Resurfaced Post 

Now 26 and living in New Jersey, Esha confirmed that the post was indeed hers. She expressed that seeing it go viral has been overwhelming but feels glad that the truth is being revealed. However, she emphasised that there is no relationship between her and Rupali, calling her "just the mother of my brother."

New Allegations From Esha

Esha Verma has brought new allegations against her father, Ashwin, as well as Rupali, during an interview with Bollywood Bubble. She revealed that the actor in question allegedly “physically hit” her mother during an incident in Mumbai. Esha further shared painful insights into her father’s behaviour, stating, “He was a very abusive man, both physically and emotionally.”

Reflecting on her experience, Esha described the toll this took on her, recalling moments in high school where she was left “devastated, crying” as she watched her parents’ relationship deteriorate due to the involvement of other women. “Seeing her [Rupali] win after everything that happened was the most devastating thing I’ve experienced,” she confessed, noting that she isn’t just blaming the actor but also holding her father accountable for the trauma she endured.

Esha shared how her father, Ashwin, attempted to silence her when she spoke out, asking her to remove a social media post detailing her experiences. Despite her father’s objections, she refused, expressing how she has long felt neglected by him. “For more than 20 years, he’s been absent from my life,” she lamented, doubting if he would even attend her wedding. Esha expressed a deep longing for love, respect, and connection from her father, yet voiced frustration that he continually prioritised others over his relationship with her and her mother.

Who is Ashwin Verma and How He Reacted

Ashwin Verma is a prominent figure in the advertising industry. He was previously married twice, first to a woman whose name is not widely known and then to Sapna Verma, who was crowned Miss Karnataka in 1986. The couple divorced in 2008 after having two daughters together.

In Esha’s response, Ashwin shared an Instagram post, expressing concern for her feelings regarding her parents' separation. He acknowledged, "I do have two daughters from previous relationships, something Rupali and I have always been open about that I care a great deal about. I understand that my younger daughter still holds a lot of hurt about the dissolution of her parent's relationship, as divorce is a difficult experience that can greatly affect and harm the children of that marriage. But marriages end for many reasons, and my relationship with my second wife had multiple challenges that led to our separation—challenges that were between she and I and that had nothing to do with any other person. I only want the best for my children and my wife, and it saddens me to see anyone being pulled into cycles of negativity by the media."

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