Anupamaa: Mahi set to participate in Rahi's team, not to support but to take revenge

In tonight's episode of Anupamaa, the tension between Rahi and her mother continues to rise as the competition nears. Khyati firmly tells Rahi that backing out now would only give Anupama a sense of victory, something they can't allow. Vasundhara also reminds Rahi that Anupama is no longer just her mother, but her rival, and she must not give up the battle so easily.

Khyati urges Rahi to transform her emotional turmoil into strength and participate with full determination. Both women reinforce the idea that defeating Anupama is the only way forward. However, Rahi silently grapples with the pressure, fearing the consequences of a potential loss, while Mahi observes everything with a sly smile.

Meanwhile, both Anupama and Rahi's teams begin their rehearsals. Seeing the pressure building, Vasundhara and Khyati plan to campaign for Rahi to gather maximum public support. Rahi is taken aback by their unexpected encouragement. Even Anil steps in to boost Rahi's visibility on social media, joining the mission to make her win.

At a press conference, Rahi is asked how it feels to go head-to-head with her mother. Visibly disturbed, she remarks that the question itself says a lot about what kind of mother Anupama is, and chooses not to elaborate further. Anupama, on the other hand, when asked the same, calmly states that in this setting, Rahi isn't her daughter but a fellow contestant. When Bharti asks if Rahi's harsh words hurt her, Anupama shares that Rahi has always been strong-willed and once she sets her mind to something, she goes all out. She acknowledges that Rahi has the full support of Prem and the Kotharis.

Meanwhile, Mahi continues with her cunning plan. She approaches Khyati and tries to convince her that Rahi might not be strong enough to defeat Anupama. At the same time, she praises her own dancing abilities and claims she can be a better asset to the team. Mahi then suggests swapping out one of the current members, either Neha or Riya, with herself, pretending it’s only out of concern for the family's image.

She tells Khyati that she isn’t interested in gaining popularity or attention but is only doing this because she can’t bear to see Khyati upset or the family’s reputation suffer. Mahi assures her that if she joins the team, their chances of winning will increase.

Khyati, driven by her desperation to see Anupama lose, agrees to Mahi’s proposal. She says she’ll speak to the organisers and come up with a reason to convince the audience, perhaps that one of the team members has fallen sick, so they can justify Mahi’s sudden entry. Mahi smiles and nods. Khyati then makes her promise that Anupama will lose, and Mahi confidently gives her that assurance.

After receiving a phone call, Khyati leaves the room. Alone, Mahi smirks and reveals her true intentions. She says that she isn’t just helping Khyati, she too wants Anupama to fail, as revenge for Aryan’s death. Mahi believes that even if Rahi’s team loses, she’ll still win because it will create more distance between Rahi and Prem. Either way, Mahi feels the outcome will work in her favour, and she laughs to herself.

Later, Rahi collapses while thinking about the upcoming performance, which sends Prem and the Kotharis into a panic. Concerned, Prem urges Vasundhara and Khyati to stop escalating the rivalry and turning the competition into a personal battlefield. Rahi lashes out at him, accusing him of showing fake concern and tells him to go support Anupama instead. Parag decides to meet Rahi, while she continues to distance herself from Prem. When Mahi tries to comfort him, Pari intervenes, asking her to make coffee for Prem and assures him of their support.

Parag approaches Rahi and tries to understand what's bothering her. Rahi opens up about her insecurities and fear of losing. Parag offers her emotional support, encouraging her to believe in herself.

In another scene, Ansh and Prarthana are excited about introducing their relationship to Anupama. Prarthana is slightly anxious, fearing that Gautam might stake claim over the baby, but Ansh reassures her with his calm presence.

Back at home, Pari checks in on Rahi, who continues to express doubts about her dance performance. Prem, once again, tries to console her, but she brushes him off. Parag then decides to meet Anupama, and this decision leaves her shocked. Meanwhile, Vasundhara expresses concern to Khyati about the pressure Rahi is under and considers asking her to withdraw. But Khyati stands her ground, saying Rahi must face Anupama and come out victorious.

Precap for the next episode:

In the precap, at the temple, Anupama and Rahi unexpectedly come face-to-face. Rahi becomes agitated and responds rudely, but Anupama remains composed and tells her to maintain her calm in the holy space. The encounter ends with Anupama throwing a direct challenge at Rahi regarding the competition.