Former CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani has stirred controversy by claiming that TV producer Ekta Kapoor’s shows “ruined Indian culture” and contributed to the normalization of sex on screen.
A Bold Accusation Against Ekta Kapoor
Pahlaj Nihalani recently voiced strong opinions, directly blaming Ekta Kapoor for what he perceives as a deterioration of Indian cultural values through her popular television serials. He specifically pointed to her iconic K-serials, which dominated Indian television for decades.
Nihalani alleged that Kapoor’s shows promoted practices he deems antithetical to Indian culture. He singled out the depiction of polygamy, stating, “Ekta Kapoor, the great… I mean men are not allowed to get married twice but she gets women married three times… Our culture has been ruined.”
The Shift in On-Screen Portrayals
Nihalani also lamented a broader change in entertainment. He claimed that “erotic movies were made rarely, now there’s sex everywhere.” He extended his criticism to Bollywood films, noting how even romantic heroes like Shah Rukh Khan are now embracing action roles.
Conversely, Nihalani suggested that films rooted in ancient Indian mythological texts, such as RRR and Kalki 2898 AD, resonate more with the masses. He implied that these films, by drawing from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, better reflect Indian culture.
Changing Dynamics in Bollywood
Beyond cultural commentary, Pahlaj Nihalani also shared insights into the evolving power dynamics within the film industry. He recounted a specific instance with Akshay Kumar in 2002, where the actor insisted on Kareena Kapoor’s casting for the film ‘Talash’.
According to Nihalani, this marked a significant shift where actors began to interfere with the casting process, a role traditionally held by producers and directors.
Industry Peers Weigh In
Nihalani’s views on Ekta Kapoor are not isolated. Actor Varun Badola offered a nuanced perspective, acknowledging that Kapoor “changed the face of Indian television,” primarily driven by the commercial success her shows achieved.
However, actor Mukesh Khanna echoed some of the criticism, particularly concerning the visual representation of characters in Kapoor’s mythological series, ‘Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki’. He felt the characters were styled in a way that deviated from traditional depictions, making them unrecognizable.
- Pahlaj Nihalani directly blames Ekta Kapoor for “ruining Indian culture” through her TV shows.
- He criticized the portrayal of women engaging in polygamy in Kapoor’s serials.
- Nihalani believes there’s an increased presence of explicit content in media compared to earlier times.
- He also highlighted a shift in Bollywood where actors now influence casting decisions.
- Industry colleagues hold mixed views on Ekta Kapoor’s impact, acknowledging her commercial success while some share concerns about cultural representation.
The debate surrounding Ekta Kapoor’s influence on Indian television and culture continues to spark discussion among industry veterans and audiences alike.
