Rupali Ganguly Sends ₹50 Crore Defamation Notice To Stepdaughter Esha Verma

In a dramatic twist that has shaken the Indian entertainment industry, renowned actor Rupali Ganguly has taken a firm stand against allegations leveled by her stepdaughter, Esha Verma, by issuing a defamation notice worth ₹50 crores. Known for her popular roles in Indian television, Rupali Ganguly has been thrust into a personal controversy that has become the talk of the town. The defamation notice comes as a response to Esha’s public claims that Rupali allegedly had an extramarital affair with Esha’s father, Ashwin K Verma, while he was married to Esha’s mother, Sapna. The claims, which surfaced on various social media platforms, have led to a heated public exchange, culminating in Rupali’s decision to pursue legal action to protect her reputation.

The Legal Action

Sana Raees Khan, the legal representative of Rupali Ganguly, confirmed the issuance of the defamation notice. Khan stated, “We have issued a defamation notice to her stepdaughter in response to her false and damaging statements as Rupali firmly stands against the use of defamatory tactics for publicity. She has taken this legal step to protect her reputation from unfounded claims. These baseless allegations were clearly intended to harm Rupali Ganguly’s reputation and capitalize on her public standing. Such actions have not only caused emotional distress but have also unfairly tarnished her personal and professional integrity.”

The notice, which HT City has a copy of, addresses the recent claims by Esha on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook. The legal document reportedly opens with Rupali’s reaction to Esha’s posts, stating, “Our client was shocked to see the posts and comments published by you on various social media platforms, including Twitter (now X), Instagram, and Facebook. Our client states that it is apposite to put the true and correct facts leading to the issuance of the present notice…”

The Backstory: Social Media and Allegations

This public feud originated on social media, where a Reddit post featuring old Facebook comments made by Esha Verma went viral. In these comments, Esha accused Rupali Ganguly of having an affair with her father, Ashwin K Verma, labeling her as “cruel-hearted.” These claims quickly gained traction online, igniting a flurry of discussions and leading to a statement by Ashwin Verma himself, who took to X to deny Esha’s accusations.

However, Esha did not back down. In response to her father’s denial, she posted on Instagram, hinting at hidden truths and complexities behind her family’s story. She wrote, “There’s a darker side to this story… All I ask for is compassion as it unfolds,” leaving the door open for more revelations.

The situation escalated when Esha, in an interview with HT City, elaborated on her allegations against Rupali Ganguly. She claimed, “Rupali threatened my mother. If I spoke to him on call, she’d scream in the background. She even cornered me when I went to visit him in Mumbai. She told me, ‘You will regret it if you ever do this again or say you want your parents to meet’. I was always afraid to go to India and couldn’t stay longer than two days with him.” These comments further fueled the controversy, portraying Rupali in a negative light and adding weight to Esha’s grievances.

Rupali’s Side: Helping Esha in Her Acting Dreams

According to the legal notice issued by Rupali Ganguly, the allegations by Esha have not only been hurtful but also surprising, given that Rupali had reportedly supported Esha’s career aspirations in the Indian entertainment industry. The notice claims, “Our client asserts that the derogatory words and abusive language used publicly by you against her are profoundly degrading. These actions have damaged her reputation, violated her dignity, and adversely impacted her career, resulting in substantial financial losses.”

Rupali’s legal team argues that she was “shocked and deeply disturbed” upon learning of the accusations, particularly as she had treated Esha well during her visits to India. In the notice, Rupali reportedly highlights her supportive role in Esha’s journey to pursue acting, stating, “Our client did not anticipate such a malicious attack from you, as she always treated you well during your visits to India. Our client extended opportunities for you to break into the Indian entertainment industry with assistance from her and her husband. You were provided with numerous photoshoots and auditions…”

A Clash of Perspectives

The defamation case has thrown a spotlight on the complex dynamics within families, particularly those in the public eye. While Rupali Ganguly’s legal notice paints a picture of betrayal and unwarranted attacks on her character, Esha Verma’s narrative suggests unresolved pain and conflict. The accusations and counterclaims reflect two very different experiences, leaving fans and onlookers to form their own opinions on the matter.

In today’s digital era, social media has become a powerful tool for airing personal grievances and voicing opinions, but it has also blurred the lines between private and public matters. This case underscores how quickly allegations can escalate, leading to reputational damage and legal consequences. For Rupali, the decision to pursue a ₹50 crore defamation suit is a strong stance against what she perceives as baseless allegations that have unfairly impacted her professional image.

The Emotional Toll

Both parties have acknowledged the emotional toll this controversy has taken. Esha’s public statements suggest feelings of hurt and betrayal, while Rupali’s legal notice emphasizes the emotional distress and reputational harm she has endured due to the public nature of the accusations. In an industry where image and reputation are paramount, this legal battle is a reminder of the personal cost of public controversies.

Legal Implications and Next Steps

As this case unfolds, legal experts speculate on the potential implications for both Rupali Ganguly and Esha Verma. Defamation cases, especially those involving high-profile individuals, often attract media attention and can have far-reaching effects on the careers of those involved. Rupali’s demand for ₹50 crore in damages signals the seriousness with which she views these accusations, while the legal notice also serves as a warning against the misuse of social media for spreading unverified information.

A Legal Battle That Reflects Larger Issues

The ongoing feud between Rupali Ganguly and Esha Verma is more than just a family dispute; it highlights the complex interplay between family, fame, and the digital world. In an era where social media allows anyone to voice their perspective, this case illustrates the potential consequences of airing personal matters in public. Rupali Ganguly’s decision to file a defamation suit underscores her commitment to protecting her reputation and career from what she perceives as baseless and damaging claims.

As this legal battle progresses, it remains to be seen how both sides will handle the challenges ahead. For now, Rupali’s message is clear: she won’t allow her reputation to be tarnished without a fight. This case serves as a poignant example of the personal and professional challenges faced by celebrities, and the lengths they will go to protect their image in a world where public perception is often shaped by social media narratives.