Ekta Kapoor tells us how she has set up a crèche at her office so that working mothers can be around their babies
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; May 28, 2019)

Producer Ekta Kapoor recently introduced the world to her son, Ravie, whom she had through surrogacy. In an exclusive chat with BT recently, she spoke about balancing motherhood and her work commitments.

Ekta says, “Currently, life is all about spending as much time as possible with my son. These days, I try and leave the office earlier than usual.” She also tells us that she regrets not setting up a creche in her office, earlier. “I bring Ravie to the office frequently and he spends time with my team. I have a huge support system in my mother and my team, so whenever I get busy with meetings, they keep him entertained. He is only three months old, but he has made friends with my colleagues and it may sound unrealistic, but he recognizes people at work. That is one of the reasons I have set up a crèche in my office. Even when my son grows older, the creche will continue, because it is important for working mothers to be around their babies. In fact, I should have built it in my office a long time ago. I regret not having done that earlier,” she shares.

Talking about work, it’s only natural for us to ask her about the naagins and ghosts in her shows, which are often criticised. But an unfazed Ekta hits back, saying, “What are the big shows that are working internationally, currently? People are watching dragons. It is uber cool for them to watch dragons, but when India watches naagins, it is not cool. Isn’t this anti-populist? Why do we look down on the masses and their choices?”

What about tracks dragging on TV shows and actors returning from the dead? Ekta replies, “Didn’t Jon Snow return from the dead? If you are not the audience, you will criticise, but then, that’s ringside play. Data proves that people are watching these shows because every time there is a kidnap, murder or a hero returns from the dead, there is a surge in ratings. It is an escapism for the Indian audience.”