Producer Ekta Kapoor has spoken about what she described as 'so much Hinduphobia' in the industry. She said people in Bollywood can still judge you for wearing religious symbols or talking about Hindu folklore and mythology.
She made the remarks in a recent chat with podcaster Ranveer Allahabadia on The Ranveer Show. The head of Balaji Telefilms was talking about her latest film, The Vvaan, which is based on folklore.
Ekta Kapoor Says There's Hinduphobia In Bollywood
On the film's subject, Ekta said, "We have so much of, I am going to say it on camera, Hinduphobia. And we have so much of phobia with what do we call...we are okay with animation, but we are not okay with discussing folklore and mythology."
She added that she wants people to become more accepting of these subjects.
Ekta also said she was judged and mocked in the past just for wearing a tika and a dhaaga. People even called her a freak and labelled her a tantrik. She remembered one such moment from her younger days.
"When I used to wear a tika, when I was younger, I remember somebody called me, like, 'Why you dress like a freak?' I said, wearing a tika and wearing a dhaaga is dressing like a freak?"
She also recalled walking into a club straight from a mandir. People were genuinely shocked that someone could proudly follow both worlds. When someone asked her if she had been to temple, she responded, "Yeah, What's so shocking?"
Ekta Kapoor calling out the deep-rooted Hinduphobia in the industry on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast hits hard. She revealed how people used to judge and mock her just for wearing a teeka and a dhaaga even calling her a freak and labeling her a tantrik. People in the industry are completely fine celebrating western animation and fantasy, but the moment Indian folklore, culture, or faith is brought up, the bias immediately creeps in. She even recalled walking into a club straight from a mandir and people being genuinely shocked that someone could unapologetically embrace both. Unapologetically wearing your faith on your sleeve shouldn't trigger anyone yet it still does. Glad she addressed it out loud on camera.
— ᴅᴇᴀᴅ ᴋɪʟʟᴇʀ (@ReignOfBateman) October 13, 2026
What Are Netizens Saying?
Many on the internet were not pleased with her statement. Some called it hypocritical, since AltBalaji, the OTT platform linked to her, often landed in controversy and also carries the name of a Hindu god. Here is how a few users reacted:
One user, @Bloodraven___, said, "Ekta Kapoor really took Indian folklore, culture, or faith to new heights through her art, especially, her saas- bahu serials and alt bala ji soft porn."
Another user, @stefdhrhsf, took a dig at a viral post praising Ekta. They wrote, "The woman who destroyed Indian television content."
A third user (@griefconvntion) wrote, "So why did she build ALTBalaji instead of producing shows about indian culture?"
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About Ekta Kapoor's Vvaan
The Vvaan stars Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia. It was released in theatres on September 25, 2026. Deepak Kumar Mishra directed it. Anup Soni, Sunil Grover, Shweta Tiwari and Maniesh Paul play supporting roles.
The film mixes fantasy, folklore and supernatural elements. The story is set around a forbidden forest and draws from the folklore of the Maa Van Devi Temple near Bihta, in Patna district, Bihar.
ALSO READ - The Vvaan X Review: Why Is Sidharth Malhotra, Tamannaah Bhatia's Movie Being Hailed In UP, Bihar?
After 21 days in theatres, it has earned Rs 69.52 crore net and Rs 82.49 crore gross in India.
The premise has caught attention, but the first reviews were mixed. The Chhath Puja portion of the film received praise.
FAQ
1. What did Ektaa Kapoor say about bias in Bollywood regarding religious symbols?
Ektaa Kapoor stated that there is widespread 'Hinduphobia' in the industry, recalling that people mocked her and called her a 'freak' when she wore a tika and dhaaga in her youth.
2. What is Ektaa Kapoor's latest movie, and what theme does it explore?
Her latest film is The Vvaan, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia, which explores Indian folklore and supernatural elements inspired by the Maa Van Devi Temple in Bihar.
3. How has The Vvaan performed at the Indian box office?
The Vvaan earned Rs 69.52 crore net (Rs 82.49 crore gross) in India over its first 21 days in theatres.