Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 23: Renowned television and film producer Ektaa Kapoor shared a heartfelt birthday wish for her close friend and former ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ star, Smriti Irani, as she turned 49.

Ektaa took to Instagram to post a nostalgic video montage featuring cherished moments with Smriti and her son, Ravi. Her message reflected their 25-year-long bond since the iconic show’s inception, expressing admiration for Smriti’s journey and influence.

“So many years of knowing you through every phase of life. This year marks 25 years of ‘Kyunki,’ and I’ve seen you evolve into a force to be reckoned with—a shining star. Happy birthday, my friend, my favorite meme-sharer, Ravi’s Masi, and for many, India’s Tulsi,” Ektaa wrote.

For those unfamiliar, ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ was produced by Ektaa and her mother, Shobha Kapoor, under the Balaji Telefilms banner. The iconic show aired on Star Plus from July 3, 2000, to November 6, 2008, leaving an indelible mark on Indian television history.

Ektaa Kapoor’s Take on the State of Indian Content

On Friday, Ektaa Kapoor also addressed a pressing issue in the entertainment industry— the real reason behind the perceived lack of high-quality Indian content.

Sharing her thoughts on Instagram stories, she questioned the criticism often directed at Indian content creators for not matching the standards of internationally acclaimed series and films. She pointed out that audience preferences play a crucial role in shaping the industry.

Ektaa referenced films like Superboys of Malegaon and The Buckingham Murders, directed by her friend Hansal Mehta, noting how critically acclaimed films often struggle at the box office. She argued that the blame doesn’t lie solely with filmmakers but also with audiences who do not support such content.

“When Superboys of Malegaon and my dear friend Hansal Mehta’s The Buckingham Murders don’t perform well in theatres, can we acknowledge the real culprits—the audience? Since blaming people in abstract terms isn’t as engaging on social media, let’s just say that a major part of India is still in its evolutionary phase when it comes to consuming quality content. You could say it’s in its adolescence,” she expressed candidly.

Ektaa’s statement has sparked discussions on the evolving tastes of Indian audiences and the challenges faced by filmmakers trying to balance artistic storytelling with commercial success.