Producer Ekta Kapoor has sparked a fresh debate after alleging that Bollywood has a problem with Hindu traditions and mythology. During a conversation with Ranveer Allahbadia on his podcast, the producer spoke about what she described as “Hinduphobia” in the entertainment industry.
Ekta argued that Indian folklore and mythology do not always receive the same acceptance as Western fantasy and animation. Her comments came amid discussions about The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest, a fantasy film inspired by Indian folklore and supernatural elements.
The producer also recalled personal experiences in which people allegedly judged her for openly displaying her religious identity. Her remarks have renewed conversations about how Indian culture, faith and mythology are represented in mainstream entertainment.
1. Ekta Kapoor Says Bollywood Has ‘Hinduphobia’
During the podcast conversation, Ekta expressed concern about the industry's response to stories rooted in Indian folklore and mythology.
She said, “Hinduphobia,” while discussing what she sees as resistance to exploring these subjects on screen. She questioned why audiences and industry professionals are often comfortable with animated fantasy but appear less accepting when stories draw on Indian religious traditions.
According to Ekta, there is now greater acceptance of such narratives, and she welcomes the opportunity to bring more Indian folklore into mainstream entertainment.
Her comments reflect her belief that traditional stories can be adapted for contemporary audiences without losing their cultural significance.
However, her remarks represent her personal assessment of the industry. The debate over how religious themes are portrayed in films involves a range of perspectives, including creative freedom, cultural representation and audience expectations.
2. She Recalls Being Judged for Wearing a Tika and Dhaaga
Ekta also shared an anecdote about facing criticism for openly expressing her faith. She recalled being mocked for wearing a tika and dhaaga, with some people allegedly describing her appearance as unusual.
The producer said that displaying religious symbols could attract unwanted attention in certain social settings.
She also remembered going to a club directly after visiting a temple. According to her account, people were surprised to learn that she had visited a mandir before heading out for the evening.
Ekta questioned why the two activities should be considered incompatible. Her story highlighted the tension she believes exists between traditional religious practices and modern lifestyles.
For her, wearing religious symbols should not prevent someone from participating in social activities or working in a contemporary industry.
3. The Vvaan Brings Indian Folklore to the Big Screen
The discussion also focused on The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest, a fantasy film directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and starring Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia.
The film also features Anup Soni, Sunil Grover, Shweta Tiwari and Maniesh Paul. Its story combines fantasy, folklore and supernatural elements, with the narrative set against the backdrop of a forbidden forest.
The project draws inspiration from folklore associated with the Maa Van Devi Temple near Bihta in Bihar's Patna district.
For Ekta, projects rooted in Indian traditions offer an opportunity to explore stories that may not always receive mainstream cinematic attention. The film's premise reflects an effort to bring elements of indigenous folklore into a contemporary commercial format.
The Vvaan arrived in cinemas on September 25, 2026. Its reception has been mixed, but the project has helped bring the broader discussion about mythology and cultural representation back into the spotlight.
Why Ekta Kapoor’s Remarks Have Sparked Debate
Ekta Kapoor's comments have opened up questions about how Indian cinema approaches religious identity and mythology. Supporters of her view may see her remarks as a call for greater acceptance of indigenous stories, while others may argue that the representation of religion in films depends on the specific narrative and creative choices involved.
Indian cinema has a long history of adapting epics, folklore and devotional themes. At the same time, filmmakers continue to experiment with Western fantasy formats, contemporary storytelling and diverse cultural influences.
The challenge is to create stories that respect their cultural roots while allowing filmmakers the freedom to interpret them creatively.
Ekta's latest remarks make clear that she wants Indian folklore to receive wider acceptance in mainstream entertainment and that she believes people should be able to express their faith without facing ridicule.
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