She's credited with single-handedly changing the way India spends its evenings. TV, thanks to her, got a new, addictive meaning with her over-the-top, heart-wrenching family dramas, complete with forever-decked-up daughter-in-laws, sister-in-laws who double up as vamps, spineless husbands, and scheming mother-in-laws. On her 40th birthday, here's a look at 10 things Ekta Kapoor's serials have introduced us to, from the time her Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Thi aired on July 3, 2000 aired for the first time.
1. The granny is always loving
Be it Baa in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi or Dadi in Bade Achche Lagte Hain, a caring and fun-loving granny is a must-have ingredient for any Ekta Kapoor serial.
3. Uncles are always manipulative
Yes, the Bajaj in Kasauti Zindagi Kay, transformed into a mamaji for Bade Acche Lagte Hain. But an Ekta serial is never complete without a super-manipulative, morally bankrupt uncle.
4. There is never a shortage of gold
Each time we see too much of gold and jewellery on display on the screen, we can only make two guesses: either we're about to see Bappi Da, or it's an Ekta Kapoor serial. It seems one of the most basic requirements for anyone aspiring to act in her soaps is the ability to bear the burden of kilos of jewellery and makeup.
5. The lead character is always a business tycoon
Each time we see too much of gold and jewellery on display on the screen, we can only make two guesses: either we're about to see Bappi Da, or it's an Ekta Kapoor serial. It seems one of the most basic requirements for anyone aspiring to act in her soaps is the ability to bear the burden of kilos of jewellery and makeup.
5. The lead character is always a business tycoon
Whether it was Mr Bajaj or Anurag or Mr Ram Kapoor, exactly each and every central family of Ekta Kapoor is headed by business magnets. Nothing less works for the queen!
6. Forget family planning: Every khandaan in her serials has at least a hundred members
The country may have changed a hell lot in the last two decades but one thing certainly did not: the size of an Ekta Kapoor family. Nothing short of a few dozens even qualifies for what we call an Indian family.
7. Reincarnation is not an alien concept
If you like falling in love with characters onscreen, make sure it's one from an Ekta Kapoor serial. Why? Well, because even if the character dies, you can rest assured it will be back with or without a plastic surgery. And no break-ups for your love affair with the fictional character on TV!
9. Music has to be loud for it to make any sense
If there is a twist in the plot, there will be loud background. If there's a romantic scene, there will be a song (preferably from Ekta Kapoor productions). Whatever be the situation, there has to loud, melodramatic music to add to the overtly dramatic dialogues.
10. Sanskrit shlokas are not tongue-twisters
Never paid attention in your Sanskrit classes? Worry not. Ekta Kapoor's here for some help. Her serials have taught quite a few Sanskrit shlokas to our generation despite the fact that we watch it in the passing while our moms are engrossed in the storylines.
Check the video at eleven minutes and you get to learn a new Sanskrit shloka.
You've got better Ekta Kapoor signatures? Shre with us in the comment box below.
Interact with the author @
Get more updates from Bollywood, Taylor Swift, Hollywood, Music and Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times.
Get more updates from Bollywood, Taylor Swift, Hollywood, Music and Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times.