MUMBAI: “Anupamaa” producer Rajan Shahi extended birthday wishes to his leading lady Rupali Ganguly, who turned a year older on Monday.  Rajan poured his heart out in a long emotional note on Instagram for Rupali, who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and is under home quarantine, stating he is “extremely proud” of the actress.

Playing the titular role of a doting wife, daughter-in-law and a mother in the highest rated show “Anupamaa”, the actress is winning millions of hearts for her performance. “Wish you all the happiness, good health, peace, success and prosperity. Keep on smiling and be happy. Extremely Extremely proud and happy for and with you that today not only you inspire but emotionally connect with so many families who look up to you as a role model in India,” he wrote yesterday.

Rajan believes Rupali has “redefined” and created a brand landmark called ‘Anupamaa’ in Indian Television with her sensitive and nuanced performance. He further states nobody could have played Anupamaa better than Rupali in this entire industry.

“You have raised the bar of ‘real performance’ in Indian TV which is going to be difficult to match in the coming times,” Rajan wrote, alongside a photo of him and the actress as Anupamaa. The ace producer further says Rupali’s late legendary writer-director father Anil Ganguly must be thrilled looking at how she has taken forward his legacy in the industry.  Having worked with her in “Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahi” and “Anupamaa”, Rajan says his biggest learning from the actor has been her compassionate side. What a journey together’, that’s how Rajan defines their over 20-year-long association, adding he is looking forward to meeting Rupali soon after she recovers from COVID-19. Commenting on Rajan’s post, a teary eyed Rupali is thankful and blessed to have him in her life. “…have never seen a more kind, caring and honest producer than you. You inspire goodness and you motivate humanity in others,” she says, adding, the credit for all the accolades that she is receiving for “Anupamaa” goes to him. Recuperating at her residence, Rupali spent her birthday minus family as all her plans went awry, courtesy the virus.

Rupali, who spent her day with her five rescued dogs, is grateful to god as her son, husband and mother have not been infected by the deadly virus. However, she was emotional as she saw her son from a distance while cutting the cake.  “Covid is taking away a lot, the time that I wanted to spend with my child and is affecting my work,” she laments.