Mumbai: Television and film producer Ektaa Kapoor has spoken out against what she describes as “Hinduphobia” in the entertainment industry, recalling how she was mocked for wearing religious symbols such as a tika and dhaaga.
During a podcast conversation with Ranveer Allahbadia, Ektaa said her religious appearance had prompted people to question her choices and label her a “freak” and a “tantrik”.
Her remarks come in the wake of the release of ‘The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest’, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia. Produced by Kapoor, the film draws inspiration from Bihari folklore.
Speaking about the film’s reception, Ektaa said its connection to folklore was just as important as its box-office performance.
She also questioned why stories rooted in Hindu mythology and traditions do not always receive the same acceptance as other forms of fantasy.
“Numbers are great for the film (The Vvaan). What is really important is it deals with folklore. I’m just gonna say it on camera, Hinduphobia, and we have so much of phobia with what do we call… We’re okay with animated animation, but we’re not okay with discussing folklore and mythology. So I’m so okay with bringing it all out and having people accept it. There’s so much more acceptance now,” she said.
Recalling an instance in which she was judged for her faith, Ektaa said someone had asked her, “Why are you dressed like a freak?”
The remark left her questioning why wearing religious symbols was viewed negatively.
“Wearing a tika and wearing a dhaaga is dressed like a freak, my darling? I can’t even tell you. Wearing a tika and wearing your religion on your sleeve is such a problem,” she said.
Ekta Kapoor calling out the deep-rooted Hinduphobia in the industry on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast hits hard.
She revealed how people used to judge and mock her just for wearing a teeka and a dhaaga even calling her a freak and labeling her a tantrik.
People in the industry are completely fine celebrating western animation and fantasy, but the moment Indian folklore, culture, or faith is brought up, the bias immediately creeps in.
She even recalled walking into a club straight from a mandir and people being genuinely shocked that someone could unapologetically embrace both.
Unapologetically wearing your faith on your sleeve shouldn’t trigger anyone yet it still does. Glad she addressed it out loud on camera.
— ᴅᴇᴀᴅ ᴋɪʟʟᴇʀ (@ReignOfBateman) October 13, 2026
Directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and written by Arunabh Kumar, ‘The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest’ combines fantasy and supernatural elements with folklore from Bihar.
The film draws inspiration from beliefs associated with the Maa Van Devi Temple in Bihta, around 35 kilometres from Patna.
Released in theatres on September 25, the film opened with an India net collection of ₹8 crore. It has since earned ₹69.36 crore net domestically, taking its worldwide collection to ₹90.01 crore.
Beyond films, Ektaa has several projects lined up across digital entertainment and television.
Recently, she announced a collaboration between Balaji Telefilms and YouTube to develop five original shows spanning 200 episodes.
The upcoming slate includes Haq Se Season 2, Phir Pyar Ki Yeh Kahani Suno and Kehne Ko Humsafar Hai Season 4.
The producer has also confirmed that ‘The Dirty Picture 2’ is in development.
On television, she is backing a new Star Plus show featuring Gaurav Khanna and Shraddha Arya in lead roles.
