Ektaa Kapoor, founder and producer of Balaji Telefilms, speaking on Day 1 of the India Today Mumbai Conclave, shared thoughts on balancing motherhood with her career, stressing that she doesn’t fit into the mould of a conventional mother.
Speaking at a session titled ‘Queen of Content: Woman Who Shaped Indian Screens’, she reflected on the challenges of juggling parental responsibilities with professional passion.
Ektaa said, “I have always been told that the priority should be your child, and please give up on this career. I am, I think, a committed mother. I don’t fit in the conventional mother’s lot. That means, I am the least active in the mother’s group, where people are checking on which colour of banana we should give the child.”
The producer openly addressed the guilt that often comes with choosing career commitments while raising a child. By highlighting her own journey, Kapoor stressed that her passion for work and dedication to family can coexist without conforming to societal stereotypes.
“So, I’m not really a helicopter mom, but I found my space because the guilt is real. I have come here, and my son is at home. So my mother’s taking care of him and I work with the guilt. But at the same time, I am not running away from the fact any more. That I love my company. I love my job. I am not just working to make ends meet. And that’s why it’s acceptable. I’m working because I love it. And it’s still acceptable,” she added.
Ektaa Kapoor, often called the ‘Queen of Content’, has shaped Indian entertainment across television, films, and digital platforms. Through her company Balaji Telefilms, she created some of the most iconic TV shows like ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’, ‘Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii’, ‘Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Naagin’, and ‘Bade Achhe Lagte Hain’.
In films, her banner Balaji Motion Pictures backed acclaimed hits such as ‘The Dirty Picture’, ‘Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai’, ‘Ek Villain’, and ‘Dream Girl’. She also expanded into OTT with ALTBalaji, producing popular web series like ‘Broken But Beautiful’, ‘Bose: Dead/Alive’, ‘Apharan’, and ‘Gandi Baat’, creating her reputation as one of India’s most influential producers.
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