Television and film producer Ekta Kapoor has opened up about an unpleasant experience from the early days of social media, recalling how she discovered online hate groups targeting her and Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai. The producer shared the memory while discussing public criticism, religious identity and the way Indian culture is perceived in popular entertainment.
During a conversation on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, Ekta Kapoor recalled visiting Orkut, a social networking platform that was popular before Facebook became dominant in India. She said she came across two prominent hate groups: “I Hate Aishwarya Rai” and “I Hate Ekta Kapoor.”
The discovery left a lasting impression on her. According to Ekta, one caricature circulating online portrayed her with a moustache and a large pimple while sitting on a donkey. Rather than allowing the mockery to define her, she responded with the attitude that people could either hate or love her, but they could not ignore her.
Her recollection offers a glimpse into the public scrutiny faced by celebrities, particularly during the early years of online communities when social media criticism was becoming increasingly visible.
Ekta Kapoor Says She Was Mocked for Wearing a Tika
Beyond online trolling, Ekta Kapoor also recalled facing criticism over her appearance and religious expression. She said people questioned her for wearing a tika and other traditional religious symbols, with some reportedly calling her a “freak.”
The producer’s remarks highlighted how expressions of faith can become subjects of public judgement, even for well-known personalities. For Ekta, the criticism raised broader questions about why wearing traditional symbols or openly expressing one's religious identity can sometimes attract ridicule.
Her comments have sparked discussion about religious representation, cultural acceptance and the expectations placed on public figures. They also reflect the challenges celebrities may encounter when their personal beliefs and public image become intertwined.
Ekta Kapoor Raises Questions About Hinduphobia
During the conversation, Ekta Kapoor also expressed concerns about what she perceives as a lack of acceptance for Hindu traditions, folklore and mythology in certain sections of popular culture.
She questioned why stories rooted in Indian mythology and folklore can sometimes face resistance, while fantasy narratives from other cultures are widely embraced through films, animation and television.
Her argument centred on the importance of allowing Indian stories to receive the same creative freedom and mainstream recognition as international fantasy franchises. India has a rich storytelling tradition featuring gods, goddesses, legendary heroes, supernatural beings and moral conflicts that have inspired generations.
The debate surrounding cultural representation is not new. Indian filmmakers have repeatedly explored mythology and folklore through television serials, films and digital productions. However, the reception of such projects can vary depending on their storytelling, execution, themes and audience expectations.
Ekta Kapoor’s remarks have added another perspective to the ongoing conversation about how Indian cultural narratives are represented in modern entertainment.
Why Indian Mythology Continues to Attract Filmmakers
Indian mythology and folklore offer filmmakers a vast collection of characters, conflicts and imaginative worlds. These stories can be adapted into contemporary narratives while retaining connections to regional traditions and cultural history.
In recent years, filmmakers have shown renewed interest in drawing inspiration from India's mythological heritage. Such projects often aim to combine traditional storytelling with modern visual effects, large-scale production and contemporary cinematic techniques.
At the same time, adaptations can generate debate over creative interpretation, religious sensitivity and the balance between entertainment and cultural authenticity.
Ekta Kapoor’s comments underline the need for a broader discussion about how these stories can be presented to diverse audiences without dismissing their cultural significance.
Ekta Kapoor’s Connection With Folklore-Inspired Cinema
Ekta Kapoor has been associated with television dramas and film projects that explore family relationships, supernatural themes and Indian cultural traditions. Her interest in folklore and mythology has also drawn attention in connection with The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest, which stars Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia.
The film draws inspiration from Indian folklore, bringing traditional cultural elements into a contemporary cinematic setting. Such projects reflect the continuing interest in stories that combine regional traditions with mainstream entertainment.
For filmmakers and producers, the challenge is to create compelling narratives that appeal to modern audiences while respecting the traditions that inspire them.
Ekta Kapoor’s Remarks Renew the Debate on Online Hate and Cultural Identity
Ekta Kapoor’s recollections have brought together several important subjects: celebrity trolling, religious expression, online hate and the representation of Indian mythology in entertainment.
Her experience on Orkut illustrates how online hostility towards public figures existed long before today's social media platforms. Her comments about wearing a tika also raise questions about the freedom to express cultural and religious identity without becoming a target of ridicule.
Whether discussing online harassment or the portrayal of mythology on screen, the producer’s remarks have encouraged renewed discussion about acceptance and representation in popular culture.
As conversations around Indian folklore and religious identity continue, Ekta Kapoor’s perspective adds to the wider debate over how cultural traditions can find space in an increasingly global entertainment industry.
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