Article: Is 9x keeping Ekta on a tight leash?

by Meenakshi Shankar

Jul 14, 2008, Mumbai

In a recent much-delayed (thanks to the Mumbai rains) press conference organized for the Lux Kaun Jeetaga Bollywood Ka Ticket - a reality show from the House of Balaji Productions, we noticed that a forced-smile-on-her-face Ekta Kapoor took centre stage to answer questions about her second non-fiction reality show which is on 9x. The latest offering is the usual from the Balaji camp. An array of Balaji stars who are leading the roost and added to that, glitzy yester year Bollywood queens - Zeenat Aman, Amrita Singh and the ever graceful, Shabana Azmi.

And sandwiched between the glitz, glamor and graciousness is Mahesh Manjerekar, though, we couldn't help wonder if he is on the show because it is part of the Popkorn entertainment and if the good books of Suneil Shetty has managed to grab him some visibility.

Ekta Kapoor's new found love with 9x is commendable. But what we found strange was when the question was raised about her Kahani Hamari Mahabharatha Ki, she promptly looked at the 9x spokesperson and said, "I've been told not to speak about it by the channel."

This caught us off guard!

Isn't this the same Ekta Kapoor who always had the courage of conviction and wouldn't care two hoots about diktats that were imposed? She bulldozed her way and got people towing her line. That's the reason, she is, where she is today. But, a subdued Ekta who was waiting to be torn apart for her Mahabharatha debacle decided to run with her tail tucked between her legs! Unlike the gutsy 'K'ueen that we are used to.

So, the channel does not want to talk about it. Why not? You have given us your version of Mahabharatha, so the least you can do is give us some answers and not have the lady who rules the roost kept on a tight leash! Talk about her reality show and Ekta Kapoor's riding the helm, but talk about her Kahani Hamari Mahabharatha Ki, she tends to look for deliverance.

Is this a new side to Ekta Kapoor is a question that has been eating into us ever since we walked out with unanswered questions?

The TRP's of the KHMK (her version of the magnum opus) continues to drop down. Is it too early to predict doomsday or will the 'Ekta' magic weave into place and work wonders with the TRP's? Keep reading this space while we bring