Varun Badola has long been a respected figure in Indian television. Known for his measured performances and thoughtful opinions, the actor recently opened up about the changing face of Indian TV and shared candid views about Ekta Kapoor’s towering influence over the medium. In an interaction on the Zindagi with Richa YouTube channel, Varun didn’t hold back while reflecting on how the industry has evolved and what, in his eyes, has been both gained and lost along the way.
He acknowledged that over the years, Ekta Kapoor has not just participated in shaping television but completely transformed its landscape. Varun remarked that her work changed the nature of Indian televisionHe pointed out that in an industry where money often takes precedence over creative storytelling, Ekta’s business instincts gave her a stronghold. “More than spoiling the content on TV, Ekta Kapoor changed the face of Indian television, whether for the good or the bad,” he stated. He felt, “when corporates get involved, they don’t care about the art form; they just want to earn money.” The consistent financial success of her shows made her unstoppable, and once corporate interests began driving the entertainment world, art naturally took a back seat.
Varun revealed he once tried to have a conversation with Ekta Kapoor about the nature of the content she was producing. But he quickly realised she wasn’t the kind of person open to hearing such criticism. In his words, he had expressed his concerns about the storytelling style but could see early on that Ekta would not be swayed. He noted that she had famously declared in an interview that if anyone wanted to create content differently, they should invest their own money and make their own show. According to Varun, she wasn’t wrong to say that, considering the enormous pressure creators face in the commercial entertainment space.
Offering a broader view of audience preferences, Varun rejected the idea that the so-called B-tier and C-tier audiences preferred regressive shows. He recalled how classic programs like Ramayana and Mahabharata saw record-breaking viewership during the lockdown, proving that good content always finds an audience. He suggested that many viewers actually watch melodramatic, regressive shows as a kind of unintentional comedy. He believed that Ekta was smart enough to see that opening and capitalised on it.
Reflecting on the beginnings of iconic shows like Hum Paanch, Koshish… Ek Aasha, and the mega-success of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Varun shared an interesting anecdote. He once spoke with a lady executive at Star Plus who was against launching Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. The executive, being well-read and thoughtful, had concerns about introducing such content to television audiences. However, her opinion was overruled, and the show went on air, becoming one of the biggest hits in TV history.
Varun added that Ekta later launched Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, another series that mirrored the tone and even sets of Kyunki. While even Ekta acknowledged its similarities, she was once again overruled by decision-makers chasing the next big hit. Varun believed that while shows like Balika Vadhu brought fresher, more meaningful sensibilities to television, the industry often gravitated toward formulas that guaranteed success. He noted that the driving mantra in TV was always to create content that felt aspirational, reflecting how television influences viewers’ perceptions and lifestyles.
Addressing whether his comments might upset Ekta, Varun was unfazed. He admitted to having told her early in his career that he disapproved of her brand of storytelling and decided to step away from her projects after Koshish. He only returned years later for Apharan. “I don’t agree with a single show of hers,” he asserted, adding that even back then, he knew she wouldn’t listen, and he preferred to follow a different creative path.
