Ekta Kapoor to present ‘classier’ awards

Cheesy lines, below-the-belt comments and crass jokes may become passé at Bollywood awards as producer Ekta Kapoor promises ceremonies like the Oscars and Emmys. She says she will bring a change with a “classier” Global Indian Film And Television Honours.

Ever wondered most popular Bollywood awards have in common? Cheesy lines, below-the-belt comments and crass jokes. Producer Ekta Kapoor says she will bring about a welcome change with a “classier” Global Indian Film And Television Honours this year. The March 15 show will have some naughty lines but nothing that will leave the audience squirming.

File Photo: Ekta Kapoor (HT Photo)

“The idea is to create something that is fun and will set a benchmark of sorts. People shouldn’t feel it’s just another awards function,” says Ekta, adding that even her mother Shobha Kapoor wants it to be a tasteful, plush affair.

The young producer points out that in the West, awards like the Emmys, Golden Globe and Oscars are black-tie affairs that make guests feel special without giving them any ‘special treatment’.

“We are hoping to achieve exactly that,” she says. Ekta’s friend and filmmaker Karan Johar, who will host the awards, is also on a different script without cheap digs and controversial asides.

“We will be pulling people’s legs without making them uncomfortable,” says Manuj Agarwal, CEO, Balaji Telefilms. There will be special performances by actors Priyanka Chopra and Saif Ali Khan along with a couple of surprise elements.