Veteran film producer Pahlaj Nihalani has ignited a fresh controversy by criticizing Ektaa Kapoor, the "Queen" of Indian television, for allegedly "destroying Indian culture" with her popular TV shows. Nihalani's remarks, made during a recent interview on the YouTube channel "Learn From The Legend," have sparked a debate about the impact of Kapoor's "saas-bahu" (mother-in-law and daughter-in-law) serials on Indian society.
Ekta Kapoor launched her first series of K-shows 25 years ago. Shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii rose to prominence and became culture-defining content, influencing Indian television for over a decade. While these shows brought massive profits to many, some viewed them as regressive.
Nihalani specifically targeted Kapoor's portrayal of polygamy, the practice of having multiple spouses, in her shows. He lamented the depiction of women marrying multiple times, a concept he believes is detrimental to Indian values. He said, "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". Nihalani also criticized the increase in erotic content, stating, "Earlier, erotic movies were made rarely; now there's sex everywhere".
He contrasted Kapoor's content with films like RRR and Kalki 2898 AD, which he claims are rooted in Indian mythology and cater to the masses by drawing inspiration from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Nihalani suggests that while the audience is receptive to content based on Indian culture, they are being "force-fed" narratives that distort traditional values. He said, "Films like RRR, they are fully based on Ramayana and Mahabharat, even in Kalki, the end was all about Mahabharat. People are taken in by Indian culture, but we are force-feeding people that one woman can get married to three men…”.
Kapoor, who completes 30 years in the television industry this year, has not yet responded to Nihalani's comments. Her shows have often been criticized for portraying women with limited agency and for degrading family values. Beyond television, Kapoor has produced Bollywood films such as The Dirty Picture, Ragini MMS, Veere Di Wedding, and Dream Girl. She also backed the reality show Lock Upp on ALTBalaji.
This isn't the first time Kapoor has faced controversy. In February 2025, she was under police investigation following a complaint alleging disrespect towards Indian soldiers in one of her web series. The complaint cited an "illicit sexual act" involving a military officer and the national emblem. Additionally, a case was filed against Kapoor and her mother, Shobha Kapoor, in October 2024 under the POCSO Act for allegedly featuring inappropriate scenes involving minors in the web series Gandi Baat. In 2022, over a hundred lawyers petitioned President Droupadi Murmu to revoke the Padma Shri awarded to Kapoor, citing "unlawful" and "horrendous pornographic content".
The debate surrounding Ekta Kapoor's work reflects a broader discussion about the role of television in shaping cultural values and the responsibility of content creators to uphold traditions. While some viewers appreciate the drama and entertainment her shows provide, others, like Nihalani, believe they are contributing to the erosion of Indian culture.
