Ektaa Kapoor alleges ‘Hinduphobia’ in film industry, cites discomfort with folklore and mythology
Speaking on Ranveer Allahbadia's podcast after the release of The Vvaan, Ektaa Kapoor said the film industry is uncomfortable with folklore, mythology and open displays of Hindu faith.
Producer Ektaa Kapoor has alleged that the Hindi film industry has “Hinduphobia”, saying people in the industry are uncomfortable with Indian folklore, mythology and open displays of Hindu faith. She made the remarks on YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, according to reports by WION, OdishaTV and Bombay Samachar published on 13 and 14 October.
Her comments came as she spoke about The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest, a folklore-based fantasy film directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and starring Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia, which released in cinemas on 25 September. WION described the film as having been “declared a hit” but did not give box office figures.
What Kapoor said
“Numbers are great for the film. What is really important is it deals with folklore,” Kapoor said, according to WION and OdishaTV.
On the industry’s attitude, she said, “We’re okay with animated animation, but we’re not okay with discussing folklore and mythology,” according to OdishaTV. WION quoted her as adding, “So I’m so okay with bringing it all out and having people accept it.”
Kapoor also described being mocked for her appearance. She recalled being asked, “Why are you dressed like a freak?”, OdishaTV reported, and said, “Wearing a tika and wearing your religion on your sleeve is such a problem.” Bombay Samachar reported that she said some people had called her a “tantrik” for wearing a tika and dhaaga.
She also recounted going to a club after visiting a temple and being asked, “Did you go to a mandir?” To which she replied, “Yeah… What’s so shocking?”, according to WION.
- Platform: Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast
- Film discussed: The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest, released 25 September
- Cast: Sidharth Malhotra, Tamannaah Bhatia
- Film premise: folklore linked to the Maa Van Devi Temple near Bihta in Bihar’s Patna district, according to WION
Reactions
None of the reports reviewed carried responses from other film industry figures or bodies. OdishaTV embedded a social media post supporting her comments. Bombay Samachar noted that her remarks reflect her personal experience and do not on their own establish that the industry as a whole discriminates against Hindus.
The recording date of the podcast episode was not stated in the reports.
Sources: WION, OdishaTV, Bombay Samachar
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