‘Ram Kapoor is TV version of Katrina’

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Survival is success, says Ekta Kapoor in the “Out-of-the-Box” conversation with Dilip Cherian at The Lalit hotel. Organised by Young Federation of India Chamber of Commerce and Industries Ladies Organisation (YFLO), the session highlighted the role of Ekta Kapoor as a youth icon.

Ekta Kapoor, listed amongst the Top 25 most Powerful Women in India by Business Today in 2012, is better known as “Queen of Indian Soap Operas”. So how does she manage to come out with so many soaps running five days a week, probes Dilip. “It’s a tough job,” says Ekta.
She continues, “So many shows running on TV and with men ever ready to switch to sports channel, just a click of remote is all that’s needed to turn us into a failure. However, I believe we have been able to not just give aspiration to women but also have given them something they can identify with. We have touched their hearts.”
She says that entertainment industry, till recently, had been very male-dominated. “But things are changing now. Women not only want to see issues they can identify with, they also need to see a man they find cute,” laughs Ekta. She adds, “For women TV audience, Ram Kapoor is the TV version of Katrina Kaif.”
However, Ekta has always been criticised for showing women who “wake up with make-up!” “Fashion has gone through a sea change, thanks to your shows on TV. But what about the criticism that you do not touch upon the real issues related to women,” asks Dilip. To this Ekta insists that some of her shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Bade Achhe Lagte Hain have highlighted issues like marital rape, domestic violence and breast cancer. “But somehow people fail to see these things,” says Ekta.
She is aware of her responsibility as the head of the production house Balaji Telefilms and always tries to live up to it.
Though a lot is changing in the TV industry, says Ekta, there is a long way to go. “For instance, unlike American soaps, we don’t have seasons here. That can add a fresh breath of air to our daily soaps,” she says.
Everyone knows Ekta is passionate about her work. But is she a hard taskmaster? “I don’t believe in being a boss, I am a leader,” Ekta replies promptly.
“My team and I sometimes can’t stand each other. But we also can’t do without each other. I believe as a leader, you should lead an example. And let your team know that if you can do it, then they can too,” says Ekta.