New Delhi. Actress Roopa Ganguly, widely recognized for her iconic portrayal of ‘Draupadi’ in BR Chopra’s Mahabharata, is still more often referred to by her character’s name than her real one. Born on November 25, 1966, in Kolkata, Roopa captivated audiences with her performance as Draupadi, earning widespread fame. Although she made her mark in Bollywood and Bengali cinema alongside her work in TV serials, it was her role in Mahabharata that made her a household name. Roopa Ganguly’s journey, filled with ups and downs, is as dramatic and compelling as a film script.
Roopa Ganguly has worked in more than 93 films and TV serials in her acting career. Roopa Ganguly has achieved many milestones in her life’s journey. Not only this, Mahabharata always continued in the real life of Roopa Ganguly, who played the character of Draupadi in Mahabharata. Rupa got cheated in love not once but twice. Not only this, Rupa has also tried to end her life thrice. Roopa Ganguly herself had mentioned this. After this, Rupa also remained in the media headlines a lot.
Got recognition from ‘Mahabharata’
Roopa Ganguly, born on November 25, 1966, in Kalyani, West Bengal, completed her education in Kolkata. After finishing her studies, she relocated to Mumbai to pursue a career in the film industry. She made her Bollywood debut in 1985 with the movie Saheb, where she shared the screen with Anil Kapoor. Following this, she appeared in films like Vidhi, Pyar Ka Devta, and Barfi. However, it was the iconic mythological series Mahabharata that truly brought her widespread recognition and established her as a household name
Marriage broken after 14 years
The BR Chopra-directed mythological series Mahabharata became immensely popular across the country. Roopa Ganguly portrayed the character of Draupadi, a role that brought her significant acclaim. Following the success of the show, Roopa rose to stardom and began receiving numerous offers for films and television shows, marking a turning point in her career.
In 1992, Roopa tied the knot with Dhrubo Mukherjee. The marriage went smoothly for the first few years, but by 1997, their relationship began to face challenges. That same year, the couple welcomed a son, Akash. Despite their differences, the couple managed to stay together for some time, but their relationship eventually came to an end in 2006 when they decided to part ways.
When Roopa was in a live-in relationship with a singer
After divorce, Roopa Ganguly started dating a singer younger than her. Rupa started living in a live-in relationship with a boy named Divyendu. However, love was not written in Rupa’s destiny. Eventually, after some time, this relationship also started moving towards separation. In the year 2009, Rupa presented her side of life in the TV show ‘Sach Ka Saamna’. In which Rupa told that she had tried to commit suicide thrice. Rupa also expressed disappointment regarding the insecurity of men. Roopa Ganguly spoke openly about this.
Roopa Ganguly started crying on the set
When the shooting of Draupadi’s disrobing scene was going on in ‘Mahabharata’, Roopa Ganguly became very emotional while shooting the scene. She started crying bitterly on the set. Not only this, BR Chopra had completed the kidnapping scene in just one cut. Roopa Ganguly was a little nervous about this scene at first. After the shooting of the scene was completed, Roopa Ganguly went into the room and locked herself.
The Mahabharata, one of the greatest epics of Indian literature, is a narrative that intertwines history, mythology, and moral lessons. Central to this epic is Draupadi, an extraordinary character whose life and struggles provide the emotional and moral core of the story. While there is an ongoing debate about whether the Mahabharata is a historical account or a literary creation, Draupadi’s journey in the epic holds timeless relevance.
Draupadi, also known as Panchali, was born from a sacrificial fire performed by King Drupada. She was no ordinary woman; her fiery birth and divine blessings set her apart as a symbol of resilience, dignity, and courage. Draupadi’s life unfolds in a world dominated by patriarchal norms, where she consistently defies expectations and challenges injustice.
Her marriage to the five Pandavas—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva—was unconventional and controversial. It was dictated by a misinterpreted command from their mother, Kunti, and Draupadi accepted it with remarkable strength. Her polyandrous marriage symbolized a unique social dynamic and highlighted the importance of unity and shared responsibilities in the lives of the Pandavas.
The infamous dice game at the Kaurava court is perhaps the most defining moment life. Yudhishthira, blinded by his addiction to gambling, stakes and loses everything, including Humiliated and dragged into the court, stands as a lone voice of defiance against her oppressors. Her questioning of the legality of the events resonates as a powerful critique of the societal norms of her time. When the attempt to disrobe her, call for divine intervention is answered by Lord Krishna, who ensures her dignity remains intact. This moment transforms into a symbol of righteous resistance and divine.’s life is marked by immense suffering, but her resilience never falters. She plays a pivotal role in the s’ journey, serving as a moral compass and inspiring them to reclaim their rightful kingdom. Her unyielding quest for justice culminates in the Kurukshetra War, where she witnesses the destruction of her oppressors.
Draupadi’s story, whether rooted in historical truth or allegorical fiction, continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Her courage in the face of adversity and her unwavering commitment to justice make her an enduring symbol of female empowerment and moral strength.
Tags: Entertainment Special, Roopa Ganguly
FIRST PUBLISHED: November 25, 2024, 15:39 IST
