Anupamaa And Anuj : Inspiring Journey Of Feminist Woman Finding A Feminist Partner

Anupamaa and Anuj are currently the feminist and power couple of the Indian TV show, Anupamaa on Star Plus. After a long and weary journey of fighting the patriarchal world, Anupamaa has finally found herself a feminist partner but it was not an easy search.

Anupamaa, (played by Rupali Ganguly) has always stood up against the repressive norms of the society, whether it was when she wanted divorce or when she decided to start her own dance academy. She broke stereotypes when she got her ex husband Vanraj, (played by Sudhanshu Pandey) and his girlfriend Kavya (played by Madalsa Sharma) married and when she stood up for Kavya at her lows. Although Anupamaa was always enough for herself, there was one thing that she deserved but never got, selfless and devoted love and that she found in Anuj (played by Gaurav Khanna).

The Journey Of Anupamaa And Anuj : From Batchmates To Lovers

Anupamaa never thought of a partner. Her first love was Vanraj and when he cheated on her, it seemed impossible to fall in love again. Unless Anuj entered. Anupamaa and Anuj were college mates but they never talked to each other back then. However, Anuj was completely smitten by her and wanted to confess as well but when he got to her house to talk to her family, she was getting married. Oops.

However, Anuj's love died, not even once in last 26 years. That's quite strong. Well, 26 years later when Anuj returned to India from US, ( yes he shifted with his family to US to expand their business) he had only one hope, to just see Anupamaa. Anupamaa's best friend, the wing-woman in this case, had kept updated Anuj on Anupamaa's life till now including her divorce and struggles as well.

Devika dragged Anupamaa to college reunion, Anupamaa and Anuj have a moment where Anuj return Anupamaa's sandal that got kicked away in the crowd. Then the dance together and Anuj's long lost love rekindles. Anupamaa, on the other hand, was not looking for a partner in any way and rubbished Devika's plea.

But soon Anuj's entry at the reunion becomes more like an entry in Anupamaa's life. From offering her a partnership in his new restaurant project aimed at providing employment to women to facing accusations of being her lover, Anupamaa and Anuj shared a lot together that eventually brought them together.

Anuj always stood by Anupamaa's side, respected her boundaries that she wanted to stay as friends and nothing more, he always encouraged her to think about herself and never made her uncomfortable with his one-sided love. Apart from this, she gave him a true partnership in business as well giving her equal say and decision in all matters. That's a true feminist here ladies.

Well Anupamaa recognised his efforts but in no way was she ready to be in love again, not any sooner. She thought she cannot fall in love with anyone but deep inside her hesitation was because she was afraid that she might prove the accusations of the society, that a man and a woman can never be friends, right. However, gradually Anupamaa understood that she does not need to meet the society's expectation.It's her life and her decisions.

Anupamaa realised her feelings when she got a confirmation from her biggest supporters, Bapuji and her son Samar. Bapuji's words made her realise that she deserves true love because she has always given love. Its time to embrace her feelings and take what she deserves.

Anupamaa and Anuj, know as #MaAn have finally realised their feelings for each other. However, while Anuj confessed long ago, in front of the entire family, Anupamaa is yet to reveal her feelings to Anuj. Although some people in family are aware of her feelings (including her ex and its cute to see him pushing her to confess). All we are waiting for is Anupamaa to confess and see our #MaAn ship sailing.

We Need More Feminist Shows on Small Screen

Indian TV shows influence the public a lot as we saw with Kasauti Zindigai Ki and Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki. Indian shows have a history of dramas with typical saas-bahu banter and portraying women as a home-bound creature. Feminist shows like Anupamaa will surely have an impact on the minds of public. The audience is already influenced by the portrayal of the character Anupamaa and they are relating to her. Hnece, TV shows, being the domestic name and accessible to all, are the best platform for promoting feminism which is the need of the hour. Therefore, more feminist shows are needed on TV to break the stereotypes and shackles of the society, just like Anupamaa is doing.

Suggested Readings :

Why Anupamaa on Star Plus is More Than Just A Daily Soap