Key Points

Ekta Kapoor has fiercely responded to Anurag Kashyap's critical comments about saas-bahu television dramas. Her Instagram rebuttal highlighted the cultural significance of these shows, citing prestigious research about their impact on women's voices in India. The exchange comes amid Balaji Telefilms' ongoing collaboration with Netflix, showcasing the evolving landscape of Indian storytelling. Kapoor's response underscores the importance of respecting diverse narrative forms in entertainment.

Key Points: Ekta Kapoor Blasts Anurag Kashyap Over Saas-Bahu Drama Critique

  • Ekta challenges Kashyap's dismissive remarks about television drama
  • Netflix collaboration highlights storytelling diversity
  • Chicago research validates saas-bahu shows' cultural impact
  • Balaji Telefilms continues pushing creative boundaries
3 min read

Ektaa Kapoor claps back at Anurag Kashyap for mocking saas-bahu dramas: 'You're so dumb'

TV queen Ekta Kapoor defends iconic saas-bahu genre, calls out Anurag Kashyap's critical comments about Netflix and storytelling

"Ur so dumb....saying this put u on an advantage I'm smarter cooler - Ekta Kapoor"

Mumbai, June 9

TV Czarina Ekta Kapoor has slammed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who called Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos dumb and suggested he should have started with ‘saas-bahu’ shows.

Sarandos during a podcast had spoken that he was unsure if the idea of starting the Netflix Original in India with the Saif Ali Khan-starrer Sacred Games was the right decision. This left Kashyap red-faced.

Anurag took to Threads and ranted: "He should have started with Saas Bahu .. he would have done well. Which he is doing now Z I always knew the tech guys are dumb when it comes to story telling but tedsarandos is the definition of dumb is what I didn’t know. Good to discover that. This explains everything now."

Ekta took to her Instagram stories and wrote a post about how “artists who talk of an inclusive world are actually more classist.”

She wrote: “Ur so dumb....saying this put u on an advantage I'm smarter cooler" but naaaaaaaa! Darling how about gracious !!! N self aware an art a lot of artists don't have! 'saas bahu' n their impact on indian masses (how women got a voice in mass India) is well documented by a prestigious Chicago research! (sic)”

“But artists who talk of an inclusive world are actually more classist! We must do away with this 'u can't sit with us we r better attitude for democracy n fair play! Love n light to all,” she added.

It was on her 50th birthday, when it was announced that Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms Ltd and Netflix joined hands for a creative collaboration across different formats of storytelling.

Ekta had said,“At Balaji Telefilms, storytelling has always been at the heart of everything we do — whether through cinema, television, or digital platforms.”

She added that partnering with Netflix is a big moment.

Ekta added: “It allows us to bring powerful, culturally rooted, and emotionally resonant stories to a global audience. The beginning of this new collaboration marks an exciting new chapter where we continue to push creative boundaries and deliver content that entertains, inspires, and connects people everywhere."

Balaji and Netflix have previously collaborated on several beloved titles, including Kathal, Pagglait, Jaane Jaan and Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare.

Ekta began her career at the age of 17 and became known for producing a large number of television soap operas in Hindi including Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, and Kahiin To Hoga.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
P
Priya M.
Ektaa is absolutely right! Saas-bahu shows may seem dramatic but they gave voice to millions of Indian women who saw their struggles reflected on screen. Anurag shouldn't look down on mass entertainment - it's what connects with Bharat, not just India. 🙌
R
Rahul K.
Both have valid points but could've handled it better. Anurag's films show reality while Ekta's shows provide escapism. India needs both types of content. The elitism vs mass appeal debate in entertainment is getting old now.
S
Sneha P.
As someone who grew up watching Kyunki... I'm glad Ekta defended these shows. They were more than just drama - they showed working women, property rights issues, and family dynamics. Maybe Anurag should watch some episodes before mocking them! 😄
A
Arjun V.
Typical Bollywood feud - one thinks they're making "art", the other knows what sells. But truth is, Netflix needs both Sacred Games AND saas-bahu content to succeed in India. Different audiences, different tastes.
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Neha T.
While I appreciate Ekta's defense of mass entertainment, some criticism of saas-bahu tropes is valid. Many shows did reinforce regressive stereotypes too. Maybe the industry needs to evolve these formats rather than just defending them blindly.
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Vikram S.
This debate shows why Indian OTT is thriving - we have space for everything from Sacred Games to Balaji shows. Instead of fighting, both should focus on creating good content. PS: Loved Pagglait, hope the Netflix-Balaji partnership gives us more such gems!

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