By Entertainment Desk June 07, 2025
From daily soaps to OTT thrillers, Ekta Kapoor has never played it safe. While some choices flopped, others rewrote television history. A look at her creative gambles.
Image Credit: Instagram
In 2000, Ekta launched an epic family saga with Tulsi at the center. Critics scoffed at its melodrama, but Indian audiences fell in love.
Image Credit: Instagram
A shape-shifting serpent in prime time? Ekta bet big on supernatural drama, and won. Naagin became one of the most successful fantasy franchises on Indian TV.
Image Credit: Instagram
Her foray into adult comedy in 2005 raised eyebrows. But the low-budget film became a sleeper hit. It proved Ekta could read the pulse beyond living rooms.
Image Credit: Instagram
Set in the underworld of the 1970s, this film was a bold shift. It earned praise for strong storytelling and retro flair. Ekta stepped into the big leagues of film production.
Image Credit: Instagram
When few Indian producers trusted OTT, Ekta launched her own. ALTBalaji gave bold content, urban romance, and edgy thrillers a home.
Image Credit: Instagram
With shows like XXX, Ekta faced FIRs and backlash. Critics called it vulgar, but it sparked debates on censorship.
Image Credit: Instagram
A mature, nuanced take on love and heartbreak. This show proved Ekta could ditch melodrama for realism. It struck a chord with a new-age audience.
Image Credit: Instagram
ALTBalaji shows put ambitious, complex women front and center. They were risky because they challenged old stereotypes. But the audiences applauded, and the critics followed.
Image Credit: Instagram