People have always wondered if I'm trying to push the envelope when it comes to my cinema - they keep questioning the visual graphics and the controversial content.
When I made TV shows, people called them regressive. Clearly, everyone wants to generalize everything, but I like to choose a middle path.
What I want to do with cinema is keep it as universal as possible.
There's no certain type of cinema, but there's a certain type of promise every film comes with. The agenda is to keep an eye on quality and live up to that promise.
People are always trying to figure me out, given the varied nature of my films and shows.
I would describe myself as eclectic: Bohemian in thought and conservative in action - or maybe it's the other way around.
Contrary to what everyone thinks, I'm not superstitious - I'm spiritual. And there is a huge difference between the two.
I cater to a viewer because that viewer's taste matters more than anyone else's, and I will keep him first in mind and then, if it also appeals to the critics, so be it.
I am not going to become a critical-acclaim-junkie at all.
I try to lead. I do not follow.
I'd rather make my own mistakes and pay for them rather than pay for mistakes that are formulistic.
I've grown up watching 'Mawaali,' 'Himmatwalla,' and my love for masala movies started from there, and ever since, there's no looking back.
My father came from a chawl and became a top star in Bollywood and worked very hard for us. When I look at my dad, I feel very good that my papa did so much.
I am bad mannered, naughty, and one of those few people who lands up in controversies, but I guess that's expected of me.
I believe that change is the essence of life.
Constantly adapting yourself to changing times is a very integral part of a successful person's personality because change is the only constant, and one should have the ability to change and adapt to change with time.
I love telling stories, I love entertaining, and I love my job.
Everyone believes or perceives me to be a ruthless cynic, but far from it.
When I want something, I go out and get it. That's Ekta Kapoor for you!
I've been able to chart out my professional life. But I can never chart out my personal one.
I've always had this fear in me. What would life be like if I wasn't Number 1 on television? But I've learnt to overcome that fear.
I have full confidence that the Sequel Queen is a tag that's going to stick... And I will be loving it!
As a producer or even as a basic seller, you need to be confident about your product.
I have always wanted to outdo myself, be it films or shows.
I'm in competition only with myself, and I always want to push the envelope.
Balaji has always had great market presence, be it in film or television - everyone was talking about the titles, about what happened on the sets, even the most bizarre and outrageous things are out there to be judged by audiences who inevitably decide to come to the theatres to watch our film.
Even though you might believe you have the best product on the market or the best film in a really long time, not everyone will agree. The film may be the best thing since sliced bread, but you have to have great publicity to back it up.
Movie promotions - as with all business, it is an important part of any release because of the inherent high financial risk, and sometimes they tend to equal anywhere between half or three times the production budget.
When Balaji decides to release a film, all you will see and hear will be concerning the film - we go all out! Promotions are a big part of our banner - we believe in marketing... in letting audiences know what they are in for.
I've always said time and time again that I hate anything conventional.
I am an entrepreneur, but not in the conventional sense. I have learnt business as time passed, but I do not have a B-school education.
To survive in a creative economy, you need basic instinct! You have to know and smell your viewer.
There will always be some films that the audience would like and some that they don't. But if I start becoming a slave to appreciation, I will be subjecting myself and my talent to one particular type of taste. I don't want to do that.
I don't want to be sitting and pondering over how many stars my film will get. It's rubbish! I make films that I like - some get really appreciated, and some don't. Till now, luckily, they have done well, but I can't become a slave to that. And I won't - never!
I would be surprised though if I don't get unbelievable critical acclaim for 'Dirty Picture' and a national award for my actress, Vidya Balan. The movie has one of the most well-written scripts I have come across, and a lot of youngsters in my office have looked at it with great admiration.
Diwali is chaotic in the Kapoor household, and that's an understatement. I normally throw a huge card party with all my close friends and my close knit group from the industry.
Though personally I'm not a fan of celebrating with fireworks, it is beautiful to watch the sight from a distance.
When I had introduced 'Kandy Floss,' I was a bundle of nerves... I had done a non-fiction programme before - 'Kosmiic Chat' with Sunita Menon. But this one I was really scared of.
I don't know if somehow success has made me conservative. With every passing year and with every success, I get more aware of the responsibility on my shoulders.
Very few know that I was a complete wild child.
I remember, as a kid, when any woman/girl came close to my dad to get his autograph, I would throw a complete tantrum - yell shout and sometimes even fight!
There was a time I'd sing and dance at night clubs, but now I don't do that.
I've never had a problem with criticism. Whether films or television, I've lived with it and emerged stronger.
I cannot stop gushing over the reviews that 'The Dirty Picture' has garnered. I'm glad that people are loving it.
I feel whenever my shows are too hyped, they usually don't work.
I don't think hype always works. It can get you initial audience, but eventually, it's your story, and the characters need to hold audience's attention.
You have to show up when your show fails - or it succeeds. When you are enjoying the glory of success, you have to show up and still work hard because it may not last. You have to do your job with the same sincerity when you started and till you can actually do it with passion.
Passion keeps me going. I love my work. The need to come back, no matter what, and my passion towards my work keeps me going.
I cannot even begin to express how happy my baby's birth has made me.