In the 70s and 80s, entertainment options were limited in India. Black-and-white Doordarshan TV was a luxury, and very few serials were aired. But everything changed in the 90s with the arrival of color TV and satellite dishes. At this transformative time, a 20-year-old girl stepped in and revolutionized Indian television.

That girl is Ekta Kapoor, daughter of veteran Bollywood actor Jitendra. Today, Ekta Kapoor turns 50, but her journey began in 1995 when she produced her first serial Hum Paanch — a family comedy that became an instant hit. From there, Ekta went on to create some of the most iconic TV serials, ranging from romantic dramas to family sagas, earning her the title of the ‘TV Queen.’

How Ekta Kapoor Became the Queen of Television

Born on June 7, 1975, in Mumbai, Ekta is the daughter of actor Jitendra (Ravi Kapoor) and Shobha Kapoor, with her younger brother Tusshar Kapoor also in the film industry. At just 19, she co-founded Balaji Telefilms with her father. While the company’s first show was Maano Ya Naa Maano, it was Hum Paanch that brought fame.

Following this success, Ekta Kapoor delivered a string of superhit serials such as Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kasauti Zindagi Ki, Pavitra Rishta, Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, and Kumkum Bhagya, solidifying her dominance over Indian TV daily soaps.

From TV to Films and OTT

Balaji Telefilms forayed into Bollywood with Kyunki Main Jhoot Nahi Bolta (2001). Subsequent hits include Once Upon a Time in Mumbai, Shootout at Lokhandwala, Ek Villain, Ragini MMS, and many more. Ekta also embraced digital platforms by launching the OTT app Alt Balaji in 2017, producing acclaimed web series and expanding her media empire.

Ekta Kapoor’s Net Worth and Personal Life

From a modest start with her father’s backing, Ekta Kapoor’s hard work made her a powerhouse in TV, film, and OTT industries. As per 2024 reports, her net worth is estimated at $11.3 million (approx. ₹95 crore), with an annual income exceeding ₹30 crore. Despite being unmarried, Ekta embraced motherhood through surrogacy in 2019, naming her son Ravi Kapoor in honor of her father.