Veteran film producer and former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani has launched a scathing attack on television mogul Ektaa Kapoor, blaming her for distorting traditional Indian values through her popular television shows.
Nihalani Targets Kapoor’s Portrayal of Marriage
In an interview on the YouTube channel Learn From The Legends, Nihalani took direct aim at the narratives commonly seen in Kapoor’s daily soaps, particularly those involving women marrying multiple times- a storyline he believes undermines cultural norms.
“But then, we as an audience are getting fed things like a woman getting married three times… Ektaa Kapoor, the great!” he said sarcastically. “Here, men are not allowed to get married twice, and she gets these women married thrice! So, the culture is slowly getting destroyed, shifted…”
Concerns Over Rising Erotic Content
Nihalani, known for his conservative approach during his CBFC tenure, also criticized the increasing prevalence of sexually suggestive content in Indian media. “Earlier, there were very few erotic movies that were released, and now they are having sex even in the air,” he remarked, expressing concern over what he perceives as growing vulgarity in mainstream entertainment.
Contrast with Mythological Cinema
Highlighting the contrast between television and recent films rooted in Indian mythology, Nihalani praised big-budget productions such as RRR and Kalki 2898 AD for drawing inspiration from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
“Hindustani culture is still so strong in our society. Films like Kalki are inspired by our mythology, and they are working. That says something,” he said.
Changing Face of Bollywood Heroes
He also pointed to the evolving image of Bollywood stars, specifically Shah Rukh Khan, to illustrate shifting audience preferences. “Shah Rukh, who once symbolized romance in films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, is now wielding guns. Those are the films that are succeeding now,” Nihalani observed.
Ektaa Kapoor: Controversial Yet Influential
Ektaa Kapoor has long been a polarizing figure in Indian entertainment. Her TV shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii played a pivotal role in defining Indian soap operas in the early 2000s. However, they have also been widely criticized for melodrama, regressive gender roles, and unrealistic family portrayals.
Her production house, Balaji Telefilms, has also made its mark in Bollywood with bold films such as The Dirty Picture, Ragini MMS, and Veere Di Wedding. Kapoor’s OTT platform ALTBalaji has doubled down on provocative content, producing shows like Lock Upp, hosted by Kangana Ranaut.
Debate Over Cultural Responsibility
While Kapoor has yet to publicly respond to Nihalani’s remarks, the interview has sparked widespread debate across social media and entertainment forums. Audiences and critics alike are once again grappling with the age-old question: should creators prioritize cultural preservation, or does entertainment have the right to freely explore contemporary themes?
As this conversation continues, all eyes remain on how Kapoor and the entertainment industry respond to renewed scrutiny over their impact on Indian values.
