Lateef, who has been closely associated with #EktaKapoor for several years, opened up about his journey, learnings, and experiences of working with one of the most influential creators in the Indian entertainment space.

Reflecting on how his professional relationship with Ekta Kapoor began, Lateef shared, “My association with Ekta ma’am started at a time when I was deeply exploring the talent ecosystem. What struck me instantly was her sharp instinct and clarity. She doesn’t just see what a person is—she sees what they can become. That perspective stayed with me.”

Speaking about the lessons he has learned over the years, he said, “One of the biggest learnings from Ekta ma’am is fearlessness in storytelling. She has an incredible ability to trust her gut, even when the odds seem uncertain. I’ve also learned the importance of consistency and discipline—success doesn’t come from one idea, it comes from constantly evolving.”

Sharing a memorable experience, Lateef recalled, “There have been many, but one moment that stands out is during the casting of The 50. We were exploring some unconventional choices, and it was an exciting phase of creative discovery. Ekta ma’am was absolutely clear about her vision and stood by those decisions. Eventually, it turned out to be a massive success. Watching that entire process unfold reinforced my belief in backing talent beyond the obvious and trusting creative instincts.”

On what sets Ekta Kapoor apart as a creator, he explained, “Her understanding of the audience is unmatched. She knows how to tap into emotions that resonate across generations. At the same time, she’s always ahead of the curve, whether it’s television or OTT. That balance of mass appeal and innovation is rare.”

Elaborating on how this association has shaped his own initiatives, including the International Iconic Awards, Lateef added, “Working with Ekta ma’am has influenced me to think bigger and more inclusively. It’s not just about recognizing established names but also about creating a platform where emerging talent feels seen and valued. That philosophy comes directly from her approach to nurturing talent.”

By Keerti Kadam

The post Mohammed Nagaman Lateef says, “One of the biggest learnings from Ekta ma’am is fearlessness in storytelling”! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

Dressed in Indian traditional wear, where Ekta wore a beige sharara set, Rajan wore a blue kurta set for the evening. Both Ekta and Rajan are masters of the craft in their own right. While Ekta’s glamorous family dramas and now supernatural thrillers, kept the audience hooked, Rajan’s emotional storytelling and strong narratives have inspired them in many ways.

Rajan, who is the founder of Director’s Kut Production, with his shows like Sapna Babul Ka… Bidaai, Kuch Toh Log Kahenge, Amrit Manthan, Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke, and the ongoing shows like Anupamaa and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, has resonated with the audience across generations. His ability to showcase everyday struggles of an Indian household, while also focusing on issues that should be talked about and discussed in the society has made him one of the most respectable producers in the industry.

On the other hand, Ekta Kapoor, the founder of Balaji Telefilms Limited, revolutionized Indian television with her iconic daily soaps like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kasautii Zindagi Kay, and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, to begin with. She also went on to produce shows like Kutumb, Kkusum, Kabhii Sautan Kabhii Sahelii, and Kasamh Se, among others. Apart from family dramas, she also produced supernatural shows like Kavach, Daayan, Haiwaan: The Monster, and Naagin, which is currently in its seventh season.

Ekta and Rajan have both played an important role in making the television industry what it is today. They have not only redefined storytelling but have given the audience their daily dose of entertainment for many years. And it’s no wonder that their meet-up at Nagaman and Samina’s Iftaar Party became the talk-of-the-town, and their pic together an iconic capture.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Rajan Shahi and Ekta Kapoor’s Meet at Mohammed Nagaman Lateef and Samina Mirza’s Iftaar Party! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

Family Dramas That Defined Indian Television : Ekta didn’t just make TV shows, she created daily rituals. With iconic serials like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, she had audiences glued to their television screens, turning prime time into appointment viewing and characters into household names.

Horror & Supernatural Thrillers : Long before horror found mainstream acceptance, Ekta backed films like Krishna Cottage and the cult-favourite Ragini MMS, successfully blending fear with commercial storytelling.

Gritty Gangster & Urban Stories : With the Shootout at Lokhandwala franchise and Shor in the City, she proved her command over raw, male-driven narratives rooted in realism.

Comedy That Travels Masses : Dream Girl and Dream Girl 2 showcased Ekta Kapoor’s knack for high-concept, character-led comedy, turning a quirky idea into a successful, repeatable franchise that connected with audiences across demographics.

Content-Rich, Award-Winning Cinema : Films like The Dirty Picture, Lootera, and Udta Punjab showcased her courage to back bold stories that balanced box-office success with critical acclaim.

Romance & Emotional Thrillers : From the intense Ek Villain to emotionally resonant television like Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, Ekta mastered the art of love layered with conflict.

Women, Friendships & Modern Voices : With Veere Di Wedding and Crew, she foregrounded female friendships and ambition, stories that spoke directly to a new generation of women.

Experimental Social Cinema : Love Sex Aur Dhokha broke new ground as a found-footage social drama, capturing voyeurism, intimacy, and the dark impact of technology on relationships in contemporary India.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Check out Ekta Kapoor’s Genre-Defying Legacy! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

The post On Balaji’s Malayalam Debut, Ekta Kapoor Says, “Working With Mohanlal Is a Blessing”! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

The engaging live session, offered a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes lives of India’s most beloved TV legends and the cultural legacy of their groundbreaking show *Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi*.

Highlights from the conversation included:

* **Smriti Irani** reflected on her iconic role, stating: *“Tulsi as a character represents empathy — something today’s generation needs more than ever.”*
* A fun **“One Word Game”** saw Karan challenge both Smriti and Ekta, revealing their playful and spontaneous sides.
* Smriti revealed that **Amar Upadhyay** and **Ketki Dave** were the *funniest* behind the scenes, sparking laughter and nostalgia.
* The trio discussed how the new season of the show will reflect **modern parenting styles for Gen Z**, addressing contemporary family dynamics.
* **Ekta Kapoor** credited the show as being foundational to her journey, saying: *“I am what I am today because of this show.”*
* Karan took a moment to thank Ekta for her monumental impact on the entertainment industry, saying: “You’ve given countless people a platform and built an empire that inspires generations.”

The live session was met with thousands of live viewers and glowing feedback, reaffirming the enduring love for Indian television’s golden era — and the anticipation for its return in a modern avatar.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Smriti Irani & Ekta Kapoor in an Uncut Live chat with Karan Chhabra! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

Originally aired on July 3, 2000, the #EktaKapoor-produced show became a game-changer, setting the tone for prime-time Indian soaps. It catapulted actors like Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay to stardom and gave birth to an entire generation of daily dramas that would follow its format.

“Television was the only medium back then. There was no OTT, very few films, and the entire country tuned into the same shows. We didn’t even have social media, yet Kyunki’s popularity was unmatched,” Basu shares.

She recalls how everyday experiences mirrored the show’s influence: “Ekta and I would walk to Siddhivinayak, and people—sometimes elders—would fall at her feet. That was the impact. When we climbed up to our homes, we’d hear the title track playing in every house. You just knew the whole country was watching.”

While the show’s reach was historic, producing it came with its own challenges. With 32 actors on the roster, coordinating mega-tracks became a logistical nightmare.

“Most of the cast was simultaneously doing other shows or performing on stage. Getting them all together was a Herculean task,” Basu recalls.

But logistics aside, the pressure to creatively deliver was immense. “When we planned a big track, it wasn’t just for TRPs. We knew top film directors, critics, and the industry would be watching and sending us feedback. That added to the pressure.”

And the pay-off? Historic viewership. “When Mihir came back, the TRP hit 27. That’s massive—more than what many channels combined would get even today.”

Among the many unforgettable twists, Mihir’s “death” remains one of the most talked-about. Basu reveals the brilliance behind that episode:

“Ekta had this genius idea to end the episode with Amar’s real birthdate and the date his character died. People were crying, some thought Amar had actually died. We had to call him into the office just to reassure people he was alive!”

On the show being labelled “regressive,” Basu offers a strong rebuttal.

“It’s ironic. People said we were regressive, but our male actors often felt the show was too progressive! Our women led the story. We addressed issues like euthanasia, widow remarriage, marital rape, and even a mother killing her own son. We always kept human sentiments in mind but never shied away from bold subjects.”

One of the most intense storylines involved Tulsi (Smriti Irani) shooting her own son Ansh, a moment that resonated deeply with viewers.

“It was crafted so convincingly that the entire country rooted for her. Even on the streets, people would tell us their own daughter-in-law was worse,” she adds, laughing.

Back in the early 2000s, sets of Balaji Telefilms resembled a creative war room. “It felt like a factory. Meetings on one floor, shoots on another. Actors barely slept. We barely slept. But the energy was electric,” Basu remembers fondly.

And in the absence of social media, fan interactions were intense and very physical. “Crowds would line up outside the gate. Ekta’s car would struggle to get in. People just wanted to touch her. That’s how iconic the show had become.”

Now a producer herself, Nivedita Basu remains grateful to have been part of a legacy that still resonates with audiences.

The silver jubilee of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi will soon see the return of Smriti Irani as Tulsi, with a new season being readied to introduce the story to a new generation. The first look of the revived show is expected to drop today.

As Indian television embraces nostalgia with a modern touch, one thing is clear—Kyunki isn’t just a show, it’s an emotion.

By Keerti Kadam

The post As ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ Completes 25 Years, Nivedita Basu Looks Back at the Show That Changed Indian Television! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

Ekta didn’t just produce television; she produced a cultural phenomenon. These are the iconic shows from her universe that made our childhoods unforgettable.

*#HumPaanch*
It all began here. A quirky family comedy with five wild daughters, a flustered dad, and a portrait of a dead wife that spoke, Hum Paanch was India’s first taste of Ekta’s ability to blend chaos with charm. It made us laugh without trying too hard, and gave the 90s their first truly iconic TV family.

*#KasautiiZindagiiKay*
The red dupatta, the rain, the star-crossed lovers, Kasautii was pure heartbreak served in slow motion. Ekta’s storytelling turned Anurag and Prerna into household names, and the show’s title track became a national sob cue.

*#KahaaniGharGharKii*
Ekta redefined the idea of the Indian household with this one. Parvati bhabhi wasn’t just a character, she became an ideal. The show was soaked in sanskaar, but never felt boring. It captured the emotional tension of family life in a way that felt personal yet epic.

*#KyunkiSaasBhiKabhiBahuThi*
The OG of Indian soap operas. Kyunki not only dominated ratings, it dominated the dinner conversations as well. With Tulsi at its center, Ekta gave us a matriarch who was both fierce and fragile. And that title track? It still plays in our heads when someone mentions ‘mandir scenes.’

*#KasamhSe*
With Kasamh Se, Ekta took a more emotional, almost poetic route. Bani’s story was rooted in love, betrayal, and quiet strength. The track was haunting, and the drama was heavy, but for young viewers learning to navigate emotional depth, it struck a chord.

*#JodhaAkbar*
A rare historical in Ekta’s lineup, Jodha Akbar brought her signature flair to royalty. The romance between two powerful individuals was grand, intense, and addictive. It proved that Ekta’s storytelling didn’t need to be set in drawing rooms; it could fill palaces too.

*#YehHaiMohabbatein*
With this, Ekta matured her brand of storytelling. Yeh Hai Mohabbatein was contemporary, complex, and emotionally rich. Ishita and Raman’s layered relationship, paired with Shreya Ghoshal’s soothing title track, brought a sense of grown-up nostalgia to long-time fans of Ekta’s world.

*#BadeAchheLagteHain*
With Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, Ekta Kapoor told a love story that felt different, mature, unhurried, and heartbreakingly real. Ram and Priya weren’t starry-eyed twenty-somethings; they were grown-ups navigating loneliness, life, and love. The title track, a soft reprise of the timeless classic, became the soul of the show. It played like a gentle reminder that love can bloom at any stage, quietly, unexpectedly, and beautifully.

By Keerti Kadam

The post A nostalgic look back at the TV universe by Ekta Kapoor! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

As one of India’s most influential creators, Padma Shri awardee and International Emmy award winner, #EktaKapoor, has entertained generations of audiences with deep and culturally resonant storytelling. Ekta’s understanding of stories that are audience first, characters who have iconic legacies, compelling narratives and relevant topics, has been loved across film, television and more recently streaming. This association marks a significant step in Netflix and Balaji’s commitment to delivering
distinctive, high-quality entertainment across formats, genres, and audiences.

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

Speaking about the collaboration, Monika Shergill, Vice-President, Content, Netflix India, said,
“Ekta has been a force in shaping Indian entertainment with unforgettable stories and characters that made it
to pop culture, even before hashtags existed. Her creative instinct and deep understanding of the audience’s pulse have consistently set her apart in shaping what India chose to watch and love for more
than two decades. At Netflix, our focus is to serve audiences with very diverse tastes and this collaboration will bring unique stories in rooted ways, marking an exciting new chapter in our creative
journey”

Ekta Kapoor, Joint Managing Director, Balaji Telefilms, said, “At Balaji Telefilms, storytelling has always been at the heart of everything we do — whether through cinema, television, or digital platforms. Partnering with Netflix, the world’s leading storytelling platform known for its premium content and
constant innovation, is a big moment for us. 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.”

With an exciting line-up which includes an untitled series in advanced stages of development, this collaboration will deliver new stories in formats tailor-made for streaming audiences.

This collaboration will be undertaken by Balaji Telefilms Ltd, including its divisions—Balaji Motion Pictures and Balaji Telefilms Digital.

The post Netflix and Balaji Telefilms Ltd. team up for a long term creative collaboration! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

#SmritiIrani shared a selfie with Ekta and wrote, “A milestone many will raise a toast to. But in the hush of this day, I whisper a prayer —May peace wrap itself around her like a shawl on a weary evening. May success find her, not because she chases it ,but because she gives so much of herself away. She deserves both. And so much more. Happy Birthday EK @ektarkapoor  ”

https://www.instagram.com/p/DKlepxMzlVm/?igsh=Y3RlbWQ5YzNjZDNv

Director #KaranJohar wished Ekta, writing, “Happy birthday to my karmic twin!!!! To the girl with the largest heart and the forever friend!!! Love you Ektu … you are a visionary, a pioneer…and may you continue to lead way and inspire generations!!!!”

https://www.instagram.com/stories/karanjohar/3649512417060782857/

#TamannahBhatia penned a wish writing, “Happy Birthday to a true trailblazer and storyteller.
Wishing you joy and success always! @ektarkapoor”

https://www.instagram.com/stories/tamannaahspeaks/3649533408168415546/?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=bnE3cnV3MWg5bGR1

#Kareena dropped a wish, writing, “happy birthday dearest Ekta…big love to you always @ektarkapoor”

https://www.instagram.com/stories/kareenakapoorkhan/3649534407838370711/?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=NnkzZXhtbm43bmJz

#NeelamKothari shared a wish, “Happy birthday my dearest Ekta! There are certain bonds which stay with you for a lifetime, you are my sister!! Wishing you good health, success, happiness and may you always shine  loads of love ”

https://www.instagram.com/p/DKl0roaM5KO/?igsh=Ym40MmczNWxqaWM%3D

#RidhiDogra shared a wish, writing, “Does the Milestone birthday know it’s the birthday of a Milestone person ! Happiest and healthiest birthday @ektarkapoorI wish you the same joy forever that disco station brought to the child you”

https://www.instagram.com/stories/iridhidogra/3649503991123829712/

#MouniRoy shared a picture with Ekta and wrote, “Happiest birthday to this sunshine of a mentor, guide, friend. Thank you for bringing me into the world of cinema & gifting me one of my life’s biggest blessings; Naagin. Ty for letting me have the quiet satisfaction of knowing that you ve always trusted my talent & had my back. I love you and pray to god you get back all the love, light & joy you bring to everyone around you. @ektarkapoor”

https://www.instagram.com/stories/imouniroy/

#AnilKapoor wished Ekta, writing, “Happy Birthday to the force that is ©ektarkapoor! Your vision and drive continue to shape the industry Here’s to a year as dynamic and fabulous as you!”

https://www.instagram.com/stories/anilskapoor/3649523449925145950/?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=MXM0Mng1dGx4eHRiYQ%3D%3D

“Wishing you a very Happy Birthday, Ekta! Hope you have a wonderful year ahead © ektarkapoor.”, read #SonaliBendres wish.

https://www.instagram.com/stories/iamsonalibendre/3649553346930610042/?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=MWt6bmw5emVvc2ducw%3D%3D

#KarishmaKTanna

https://www.instagram.com/stories/karishmaktanna/3649565349243586578/?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=bmRrcDNsZmpwcWRz

#SophieChoudry

https://www.instagram.com/stories/sophiechoudry/3649529597521475071/?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=bDNtN3VlbDh6Zml1

#SonaliKulkarni

https://www.instagram.com/stories/sonalikul/3649558015424141271/?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=aWlna3IybmNqZWxw

After delivering a streak of hit content, Ekta Kapoor is now gearing up for a thrilling slate of new projects. She has announced her first-ever collaboration with TVF for ‘VVAN’, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia. Adding to the excitement, she’s reuniting the legendary Priyadarshan-Akshay Kumar duo for the horror-comedy ‘Bhooth Bangla’. Ekta is also expanding into regional cinema with her first Malayalam film starring superstar Mohanlal.

By Keerti Kadam

The post Smriti Irani and celebrities including Karan Johar, Kareena Kapoor wish Ekta Kapoor on her Birthday! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.

As a proponent for inclusivity, filmmaker Prerna Arora asserts that now, more than ever, female-oriented films are essential to challenge stereotypes and ignite conversations. She urged other filmmakers and audiences to embrace the richness of female narratives. “Female-oriented films are a need of the hour. They are not just a reflection of our times but also a catalyst for change. In today’s world, where inclusivity and representation matter more than ever, it’s crucial to amplify the voices of women on screen. These films serve as a mirror to society, sparking vital discussions and paving the way for a more equitable and empathetic future,” said the filmmaker, who has produced films such as ‘Pari’, ‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha’, ‘Pad Man’ and others.

Arora’s contribution to the transformative shift in the industry continues with her upcoming film ‘Hero Heeroine’. The film ‘Hero Heeroine’ is a pan-India project starring Divya Khossla in the lead role, while Tusshar Kapoor, Suchitra Krishnamoorthi and others play pivotal roles.

The post Producer Prerna Arora urges the audience to embrace the richness of female-centric films! first appeared on Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News, India News, Bollywood News, Business News, Politics News, Sports News, Entertainment News - CineBuster.