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Ektaa Kapoor: Shaping or Shaking Indian Culture?

Ektaa Kapoor marks her 30th anniversary in the television industry this year. She is known for creating iconic series like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii. Nevertheless, several of her shows have been criticized for undermining family values and depicting women with minimal agency.

In a recent interview with Learn From The Legend’s YouTube channel, producer Pahlaj Nihalani has criticized Ektaa Kapoor for damaging Indian culture through her television serials.

During the discussion, Pahlaj was inquired about the recent transformation in Hindi cinema and how audience preferences have evolved. He replied, “Shah Rukh Khan, who was previously celebrated for his romantic roles in films such as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, is now depicted wielding a firearm in his movies. Consequently, these types of films are succeeding today. Consider RRR, which drew inspiration from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and then Kalki 2898 AD, whose conclusion was entirely influenced by the Mahabharata. The essence of Hindustani culture remains robust within our society.

Pahlaj further remarked, “However, we as viewers are being presented with narratives such as a woman marrying three times… Ektaa Kapoor, the illustrious! In this context, men are prohibited from marrying more than once, yet she portrays women marrying thrice! Thus, our cultural values are gradually being eroded and altered… In the past, there were only a handful of erotic films released, but now sexual content is even depicted in the air.

Over the years, Ektaa has also made her mark in Bollywood through her production company, Balaji Telefilms. She has been the producer of films such as The Dirty Picture, Raagini MMS, Veere Di Wedding, and Dream Girl. Recently, she supported the reality show Lock Upp on ALTBalaji, which featured Kangana Ranaut as the host.

Numerous critics, particularly cultural commentators and social analysts have accused Ektaa Kapoor of endorsing regressive gender roles. Her shows frequently depict women as either excessively sacrificial or cunning villains, thereby reinforcing traditional patriarchal norms. The recurrent use of melodrama, superstition, and implausible plot developments (for instance, characters returning from the dead or undergoing excessive plastic surgeries) may have compromised more realistic storytelling. Some critics contend that her representation of joint families often legitimizes abuse, manipulation, and profound suffering, all under the guise of duty and tradition.

Conversely, proponents contend that her shows reflect existing societal elements rather than generating them. A significant number of her main characters were women with compelling story arcs, and her achievements paved the way for more narratives and producers centered around female perspectives. Series such as Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki became legendary and resonated with millions throughout India.

It is likely more precise to assert that Ektaa Kapoor played a crucial role in shaping Indian pop culture, rather than dismantling it. Her impact on Indian television is irrefutable—she popularized a specific storytelling formula that possessed both beneficial outreach and problematic themes. Thus, it is incorrect to claim that she “destroyed” Indian culture. However, she certainly played a pivotal role in reshaping the appearance of mainstream entertainment for a generation, whether positively or negatively.

Also Read: Namit Malhotra: The Visionary Behind Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana

The post Ektaa Kapoor: Shaping or Shaking Indian Culture? appeared first on India’s Favourite Entertainment Network Since 1987 - Lehren.



source https://lehren.com/ektaa-kapoor-shaping-or-shaking-indian-culture/

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