Nostalgia Meets Reverence: Legends Revisited
Perhaps the most poignant moments of the evening were reserved for long-standing icons whose characters defined eras. Amar Upadhyay’s Mihir and Smriti Irani’s Tulsi recreated the alchemy that once captured the nation, receiving the titles of Favourite Pati and Best Patni. For fans who grew up in the golden age of Star Plus, this was more than an awards ceremony – it was time travel to a period when television was at its narrative zenith.
The nostalgia-laden segments were not merely celebratory but also instructive: they showcased how Star Plus has consistently balanced tradition and innovation, ensuring that the magic of its past coexists with the dynamism of the present.
Mumbai, a city that thrives on dreams and the relentless hum of ambition, witnessed an evening drenched in nostalgia, glamour, and reverence for storytelling on 20th September 2025. Star Plus, one of India’s most influential television networks, marked a monumental milestone – its 25th anniversary – with the spectacular Star Parivaar Awards 25, an event that transcended mere celebration and evolved into a grand homage to the channel’s indelible imprint on Indian households.
For a quarter of a century, Star Plus has woven narratives that have become cultural touchstones, creating characters whose lives resonate beyond the screen. This silver jubilee edition of the Star Parivaar Awards was not just an awards night; it was a pilgrimage through memory, emotion, and iconic performances that have shaped the very ethos of contemporary Indian television.
Anupamaa: The Undisputed Crown Jewel
As anticipated, the flagship series Anupamaa dominated the evening, affirming its position as the powerhouse of Star Plus’s current programming. Its triumph was comprehensive: the show clinched the Favourite Show accolade, cementing its resonance with audiences across generations.
At the centre of this victory stood Rupali Ganguly, whose portrayal of the titular character has redefined the archetype of the Indian mother. Ganguly’s evening was nothing short of a coronation – she swept multiple awards, including Best Maa, BFF/Dukh Sukh Ka Saathi, and the playful yet telling Pangebaaz Sadasya award, which celebrates spirited defiance and charisma. In these honours lies a recognition not just of acting prowess, but of her capacity to embody everyday resilience, nuance, and depth, transforming Anupamaa into a mirror for the modern Indian woman.
Ganguly’s presence on stage was emblematic: she bridged generations of viewers, reminding the nation why television, in its purest form, is not merely entertainment but cultural glue that binds families through shared stories.
Honouring the Paternal and Maternal Pillars
The evening was also a testament to the importance of familial archetypes on the small screen. Shruti Ulfat of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai was celebrated as Best Saas, her portrayal evoking both reverence and relatability. Meanwhile, the Best Pita honour was a joint victory for Amar Upadhyay (Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2) and Rohit Purohit (Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai), exemplifying the evolving depiction of fatherhood on Indian television – authoritative yet empathetic, stern yet nurturing.
This dual recognition speaks to the nuanced narratives that Star Plus has cultivated over decades, where parental figures are no longer monolithic; they are layered, conflicted, and human. It is a celebration of both traditional values and contemporary reinterpretations, reminding audiences that television characters are often the first mentors in an imaginative household.
The Daughters, Daughters-in-Law, and the Blossoming of Young Talent
The Star Parivaar Awards have always celebrated not just stalwarts but emerging talent. Tanisha Mehta, recognised as Favourite Beti for her role in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, embodies the archetype of filial devotion entwined with youthful dynamism. Similarly, Samridhii Shukla of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai captured hearts as Favourite Bahu, demonstrating how contemporary narratives foreground agency and emotional intelligence alongside tradition.
Among the youngest stars, Urva Rumani charmed audiences and judges alike, claiming Best Chhota Sadasya. Her performance hinted at a future where young actors will continue to challenge the boundaries of storytelling. Complementing this, Shagun Sharma won the quirky Sabse Pangebaaz Sadasya, an award that recognises spirited rebellion, while Shritama Mitra was applauded as Best Beti, reinforcing the centrality of daughters in family sagas that anchor Star Plus’s programming ethos.
The awards for young talent are emblematic of Star Plus’s long-term investment in nurturing performers who carry the narrative torch forward, ensuring that the channel’s legacy extends well beyond its silver jubilee.
Celebrating the Power Couples: Jodi Awards
In the sphere of romance and partnership, Star Plus showcased its knack for recognising chemistry that resonates beyond scripts. From Udne Ki Aasha, Sachin and Sayli were crowned Favourite Jodi, an acknowledgment of their seamless interplay and narrative synergy. Meanwhile, Kanwar Dhillon and Neha Harsora took home the honours of Best Pati and Best Patni, respectively, reflecting the evolving representations of marital partnerships – partnerships built on mutual respect, vulnerability, and emotional parity.
The emphasis on onscreen chemistry highlights a broader trend in contemporary television: relationships are not merely plot devices, but reflections of evolving societal dynamics, offering audiences both aspirational and relatable benchmarks.
A Night of Glitter, Glamour, and Cultural Continuity
The Star Parivaar Awards 2025 were as much about spectacle as substance. The event, held in Mumbai, was a convergence of glamour, music, and storytelling mastery. Performances by leading actors interspersed with awards presentations created a seamless narrative flow, reminiscent of Hollywood ceremonies such as the Emmy Awards, yet retaining a uniquely Indian cadence, replete with familial warmth and cultural resonance.
Every award, every speech, and every applause moment was a reminder of Star Plus’s indelible cultural impact. The channel has not merely entertained; it has shaped social narratives, influenced familial ideals, and provided a canvas for complex, evolving characters that audiences internalise and carry into daily life.
The Future of Star Plus: Beyond the 25th Anniversary
While the silver jubilee serves as a reflective milestone, it also signals Star Plus’s continued commitment to narrative innovation. The recognition of both established icons and rising talent demonstrates a strategic duality: honouring the legacy while investing in the future.
As television consumption increasingly diversifies – with OTT platforms, interactive media, and regional storytelling gaining prominence – Star Plus’s emphasis on compelling character-driven narratives positions it to remain a cornerstone of Indian entertainment. The Star Parivaar Awards function as both a celebration and a statement: the channel is not resting on its laurels but actively shaping the next quarter-century of television storytelling.
Broadcast Details: Bringing the Celebration Home
For audiences unable to witness the grandeur live, Star Plus will air the ceremony on Sunday, 12th October, at 19:00. This ensures that the entire nation can partake in the jubilation, witnessing favourite stars, memorable performances, and the rekindling of cherished narratives.
The broadcast promises to replicate the live energy, blending cinematic staging, musical interludes, and heartfelt interactions – a televised event that mirrors the scale and sophistication of global award shows while retaining the intimacy and cultural specificity that Indian audiences adore.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
The Star Parivaar Awards 2025 were not merely a distribution of trophies; they were a chronicle of television’s enduring power to shape identity, instil values, and foster connection. From the commanding presence of Rupali Ganguly to the nostalgic magic of Amar Upadhyay and Smriti Irani, the evening reaffirmed why Star Plus remains a cultural lodestar in Indian entertainment.
As the lights dimmed on Mumbai’s grand auditorium, the applause echoed beyond walls – reaching households, hearts, and generations that have grown up under Star Plus’s watchful storytelling. In every award, there was recognition; in every speech, there was gratitude; and in every performance, there was a reminder: television, at its finest, is more than a medium – it is a shared, living experience.
The silver jubilee may have passed, but its legacy – the characters, narratives, and values – will continue to illuminate screens for decades to come.
