Anupamaa: Anu struggles in the competition while Prem wins the judges' hearts

Tonight's Anupamaa episode opens with the host welcoming the audience and introducing the judging panel. The first judge to be invited on stage is Manpreet Singh. Hearing that she has taken Indian food across the world, Leela innocently asks Hasmuk if that means Manpreet scatters food everywhere before eating it. Hasmuk smiles and explains that the host actually means Manpreet has helped popularise Indian cuisine globally.

Meanwhile, Vasundhara tells Anil that Manpreet looks so strict that she could point out mistakes even on an empty plate. Anil agrees and says he has watched her shows, where she is known for being a tough judge.

Prem warns Shruti that Manpreet is very particular and they cannot afford even a small mistake. Anupama, however, feels strict judges are fair because they judge only on talent and performance.

The host then introduces the second judge, Roy. Digvijay reveals that he knows Roy personally. Ishani feels relieved, thinking this connection may benefit their team, but Digvijay quickly clarifies that Roy is a complete professional and will not show any favouritism. Shruti shares this information with her teammates, while Rahi says their food will decide the result, not personal connections.

The final judge, Sikander, is then welcomed onto the stage. Anupama says the contestants will get an opportunity to learn from such experienced judges. Prem starts planning ways to impress Sikander, while Anupama silently prays for strength before the competition begins.

The host introduces all four participating teams. Both Anupama's and Prem's teams cheer enthusiastically. He points out that television audiences have often seen mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law competing in kitchens, but this time it is a unique battle between a mother-in-law and her son-in-law.

When asked why he entered the competition, Prem confidently says he has come only to win. His bold attitude impresses Manpreet, while Sikander jokes that too much excitement can even burn a roti, so everyone should stay patient.

The host then turns to Anupama and asks about her goal. Anupama says Prem and Rahi challenged her, and she has accepted it. She confidently declares that she is also here to win. She adds that winning the prize is important because she dreams of building a house of her own.

Manpreet feels Anupama should not bring her personal struggles onto a reality show. However, Roy and Sikander disagree, with Roy saying it is unfair to judge Anupama before seeing her cooking skills.

The host announces the first challenge, called Abara Ka Dabara. He explains that each team must prepare a dish assigned by the judges. Only two members from every team can visit the pantry to collect ingredients.

Anupama and Digvijay choose Kinjal and Prerna to gather the required items. On the other side, Rahi suggests that she and Khyati should go to the pantry. Prem immediately rejects her suggestion, saying he will decide the strategy himself. Not wanting to take any risks, he sends Shruti along with Rahi instead.

Later, the judges reveal the dishes assigned to each team. The contestants are instructed not to discuss the recipes with their team leaders.

Anupama's team receives an Italian dish. She struggles to pronounce the name "Rosette," prompting Prem to mock her. He sarcastically remarks that if she cannot even say the dish's name correctly, preparing it will be even more difficult.

In the precap, Anupama asks Kinjal about the cheese, but Kinjal reveals that Shruti took it away from her. Anupama worries about completing the dish without a key ingredient. Meanwhile, the judges praise Prem's preparation, while Manpreet criticises the presentation of Anupama's dish.