This producer became India's first Emmy-winning woman producer, built the biggest entertainment brand, and launched the careers of many

Long before she became one of the most powerful figures in Indian entertainment, she wanted to be a journalist. Life, however, had a different plan. With little more than a sharp eye for stories and sheer determination, she entered television and went on to script one of the most remarkable journeys in the industry.

That producer is Ekta Kapoor

In the late ’90s, she created shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki, which not only ruled prime time but also became a part of everyday conversation in Indian homes, changing the way Indian families consumed TV. Over three decades later, her name remains synonymous with mass storytelling, cutting across genres from family drama to supernatural thrillers.

In 2021, she scripted history as the first Indian woman producer to win an International Emmy Award. A year earlier, she was honoured with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, and most recently, she added a National Award for Kathal to her long line of achievements.

More from Entertainment

'The Smashing Machine' Movie Review: Dwayne Johnson delivers a knockout performance in Benny Safdie’s slow-burning biographical sports drama Decoding the troubles Shahana Goswami's 'Santosh' faced due to the censor board as it finally gears up for its release

Her legacy also lies in the stars she introduced. Kapoor has been instrumental in giving many actors their first big break. Vidya Balan got her first break in Hum Paanch, while Smriti Irani rose to fame with Kyunki before stepping into politics. The list includes Sushant Singh Rajput, Rajeev Khandelwal, Prachi Desai, Ronit Roy, and Sakshi Tanwar, all names that found early recognition through Ekta’s shows.

Even today, Kapoor remains prolific. On the way are projects like VVAN, the horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla, a new season of Naagin, and the cult favourite Ragini MMS. For someone who once considered a career in journalism, she has instead built a storytelling empire that continues to evolve with time