Ekta Kapoor, the daughter of veteran actor Jeetendra and Shobha Kapoor, has carved an indelible mark on the Indian entertainment industry. Starting her journey at a young age, she co-founded Balaji Telefilms in 1994 with her mother, a production house that would go on to redefine Indian television. Through her innovative storytelling and a keen understanding of audience preferences, Kapoor is credited with pioneering an entire genre of television content, particularly the daily soap opera, and significantly contributing to the boom of satellite television in India.
Her career began with initial setbacks, but with perseverance, she found success with shows like “Mano Ya Na Mano” and “Dhun Dhamaka.” The 2000s marked a turning point with the launch of numerous highly successful shows, many starting with the letter ‘K’ – considered her lucky alphabet. These included iconic series like “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi,” which became a record-breaking phenomenon, “Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki,” and “Kasautii Zindagii Kay.” These dramas dominated television ratings and made Kapoor a household name.
Beyond television, Ekta Kapoor expanded her creative ventures into Bollywood with Balaji Motion Pictures, producing films like “Kyaa Kool Hai Hum,” “The Dirty Picture,” and “Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai.” Recognizing the shift towards digital consumption, she also launched the OTT platform ALTBalaji in 2017, further diversifying her content offerings and reaching a new audience segment with original web series and movies.
For her groundbreaking work and significant contributions to the arts, Ekta Kapoor was honored with the Padma Shri in 2020, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. In 2023, she received the prestigious International Emmy Directorate Award at the 51st International Emmy Awards, becoming the first Indian woman producer to receive this honor.
Ekta Kapoor’s Financial Standing
Ekta Kapoor’s net worth is reported to be around ₹95 crore (approximately USD 11.3 million). Her primary income sources include her successful production house, Balaji Telefilms, and her digital platform, ALTBalaji. She also earns significantly from her monthly and annual income, estimated to be around ₹2-2.8 crore and ₹25-30 crore, respectively.
Her impressive asset portfolio includes luxurious properties. She owns a sprawling 1.5-acre bungalow in Juhu, Mumbai, valued at approximately ₹25 crore, and another residence in South Mumbai worth around ₹30 crore. Additionally, she purchased the Balaji Telefilms office in Andheri, Mumbai, in 2018 for ₹60 crore.
Kapoor also has a penchant for high-end automobiles, with her car collection including a Jaguar F-Pace (approximately ₹70 lakh), a Mercedes-Benz S Class Maybach S 500 (approximately ₹1.86 crore), and a Bentley Continental GT (approximately ₹3.57 crore).
Balaji Telefilms: A Media Powerhouse
Balaji Telefilms, under the creative and strategic direction of Ekta Kapoor, has grown into a formidable media and entertainment conglomerate. The company has produced over 17,000 hours of daily soap content and continues to be a major player in the Indian television industry.
In the financial year 2025, Balaji Telefilms reported a revenue of ₹93.2 crore in the third quarter, with a consolidated nine-month revenue of ₹386.8 crore. The television business remains the core contributor, with a revenue of ₹194.2 crore for the first nine months of FY25. ALT Digital, despite some losses, has shown improved performance through cost rationalization, with subscription revenues of ₹13.32 crore for the same period.
The company has also been actively expanding its digital footprint and film business. Recent developments include a fundraise of ₹130.67 crore to scale these ventures and a proposed merger of Balaji Telefilms, ALT Digital, and MFPL to streamline operations and enhance financial capacity.
Ekta Kapoor’s journey is a testament to her vision, hard work, and understanding of the Indian audience. From revolutionizing television to venturing into films and the digital space, she has built a media empire and remains a powerful and influential figure in the entertainment world, reflected in her substantial net worth and the continued success of Balaji Telefilms.