11 times Ekta Kapoor became the launchpad for talent

Anita Hassanandani: From New Face to Long-Term Balaji Staple

Early launch with Kyuki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi laid the foundation for her longevity, culminating in character-driven roles like Shagun in Yeh Hai Mohabbatein

Anurag Basu: A Director’s First Big Break

Ekta backed Anurag Basu for Gangster, his first major Hindi film. It announced a new directorial voice and influenced a generation of urban storytelling

Mouni Roy: The Original Naagin Breakout

First introduced to television audiences through Ekta Kapoor’s Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Mouni achieved mass stardom as the face of the franchise Naagin

Priyanka Chahar Choudhary: Bigg Boss to Franchise Fame

Ekta announced Priyanka as the new lead of Naagin 7, reaffirming her ability to identify strong audience recall and convert it into a high-visibility launch

Ronit Roy: Television Stardom Through a Second Beginning

His casting in Kasautii Zindagii Kay redefined him as a commanding screen presence and TV powerhoue, setting the stage for his later acclaim in films and OTT

Sakshi Tanwar: Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki

Sakshi`s success can be traced back to her Balaji launch. At a time when heroines were largely one-note, her emotional depth and restraint made her relatable

Rajeev Khandelwal : The First Youth Heartthrob

Kahiin To Hoga marked Rajeev Khandelwal’s breakthrough as a romantic lead. Ekta`s decision to back him helped define early-2000s youth fandom on Indian TV

Smriti Irani : The Face That Defined an Era

Smriti Irani as Tulsi in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi became a cultural icon. The role didn’t just launch a career; it shaped Indian TV for decades

Vidya Balan: Hum Paanch

Vidya Balan was launched in one of India’s earliest youth sitcoms. Though she later moved to cinema, Hum Paanch remains her first professional acting break

Sushant Singh Rajput: Television’s Most Impactful Launch

With Pavitra Rishta, Ekta introduced Sushant as a leading man at a time when TV heroes rarely entered mainstream films. It gave him credibility and mass connect