Ekta Kapoor attends the book launch of ‘Boundless’ in Mumbai. File/AFP

Ektaa R Kapoor, who has given some of India’s most iconic television shows and films, and is awaiting the release of her upcoming production, ‘Dream Girl 2’, said that she doesn’t like to stick to any particular genre in films as she has television for that. Ektaa is all set to captivate the audience with a diverse array of stories, offering a refreshing change. ‘Dream Girl 2’ is a mass comedy that promises to tickle funny bones and serve as a delightful respite from the ordinary.

Talking about dabbling with different genres in films, Ektaa said: “I’m doing a film with Rhea Kapoor, which is a coming-of-age story of a girl in her early thirties who is fighting conditioning versus individuality. It stars Bhumi Pednekar. The Hansal Mehta-Kareena starrer is an untitled Nordic Noir thriller. We are bringing back one of my favourite franchises, ‘LSD 2’. ‘The Crew’ is a comedy with three top actresses headlining the film.” She further mentioned: “’Dream Girl 2’ is a mass comedy.

I don’t like to stick to genres in films. I have to do a lot of that on television. So, this gives me a break from doing the same kind of content.” ‘The Crew’ which stars Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Kriti Sanon as the leads. The film follows the story of three women who work and hustle to move on with life. But as they try to make their way forward, their destinies lead them to some unexpected and unwarranted situations, leading them to get caught in a web of lies.

The film also marks the collaboration between Ektaa R. Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor, following their successful film, ‘Veere Di Wedding’. Directed by Rajesh Krishnan, ‘The Crew’ is produced by Balaji Telefilms and Anil Kapoor Films Communication Network. The film will debut in theatres. Kapoor started her career at the age of 17, interning with advertisement and feature filmmaker Kailash Surendranath. After obtaining financing from her father Jeetendra Kapoor, she was a producer under her banner Balaji Telefilms.

Her initial projects were failures, with six of her pilot episodes being rejected, leading to a total loss of Rs50 lakh (equivalent to Rs2.0 crore or in 2023). In 1995, Mano Ya Na Mano was selected by Zee TV and her music-based show Dhun Dhamaka was chosen by Doordarshan. Her 1995 sitcom, Hum Paanch was her first success. In the 2000s, the letter ‘K’ became her lucky alphabet and she launched many shows with the first word of every title starting with the same letter, including Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, which broke all records to become the series to attract the highest TRPs in 2000.

Other shows beginning with ‘K’ include Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki, Kabhii Sautan Kabhii Sahelii, Kohi Apna Sa, Kaahin Kissii Roz, Kalash, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Kahiin To Hoga and Kasamh Se. In 2001, she was awarded the title of Best Entrepreneur of the Year. By July 2001, Kapoor was producing more than 30 hours of television shows per week. 20 of her 34 serials were listed as the most popular serials, across all major TV channels like Zee TV, Sony, Star Plus and Metro. Her projected turnover for 2000 —2001 was listed as Rs35 crore (equivalent to Rs139 crore in 2023).

Agencies