As Anupamaa, produced by Deepa Shahi and Rajan Shahi, continues to explore issues that resonate with everyday families, the spotlight has now shifted to Prerna, played by Nidhi Shetty. The ongoing track sees Prerna standing up for herself in the face of judgment, sparking an emotional conversation around personal choice, dignity and the expectations placed on women within a family.
Talking about Prerna’s emotional confrontation, Nidhi shares that the scene was never about anger alone. “I approached this scene by focusing on Prerna’s emotions rather than her anger. She’s not fighting because of the clothes she’s wearing—she’s fighting because she’s tired of being judged for something so personal. What hurt her the most was the double standard, where the same choices are acceptable for a daughter but questioned when it comes to a daughter-in-law.”
For the actress, the scene reflects a reality that many women continue to face. “I think many women will relate to that feeling. The message is simple: respect shouldn’t depend on what a woman wears or what role she holds in the family. Every woman deserves the freedom to make her own choices without being judged,” she says.
Nidhi also admits that the subject is one she has personally connected with. She reveals that, as both an actor and content creator, she has often found herself being judged based on appearances. “People often form opinions based on pictures or videos without really knowing who you are. There have been times when I’ve felt judged because of the way I dressed, but over time I realised that you can never satisfy everyone. What matters is being comfortable and confident in your own skin,” she says.
The current storyline also sees Prerna asking for her share of the family’s property, something Nidhi believes has been misunderstood. According to her, the character isn’t driven by greed but by the desire to live with self-respect. “Prerna has reached a point where she wants dignity, stability and the chance to make her own decisions. Asking for her share isn’t about greed—it’s about wanting the security to build a future on her own terms. She always wanted a big family, but a few members of the family keep fighting with her, so she feels living separately might help preserve those relationships instead of breaking them.”
Reflecting on the show’s ability to address socially relevant themes, Nidhi says that’s one of the biggest reasons Anupamaa continues to connect with audiences. “One of the reasons Anupamaa connects so deeply with viewers is because it reflects situations that people experience in real life. Through Prerna’s journey, we’re talking about issues that still exist in many families. If even a few people stop and rethink these mindsets after watching the show, that’s a big achievement. As an actor, it’s always fulfilling to be part of a story that not only entertains but also encourages conversations and brings attention to important social issues.”
