Popular Indian television and Bollywood producer Ekta Kapoor is under fire as her OTT platform ALTBalaji is facing serious backlash. An episode from season 6 of the web series Gandii Baat has sparked outrage, resulting in a case being filed against Ekta Kapoor and her mother, Shobha Kapoor, under the POCSO Act. The controversy centers around allegedly inappropriate scenes involving minors, which were showcased in the web series.
The legal trouble for Ekta Kapoor has fueled a massive uproar on social media, with the hashtag #BanALTBalaji trending on platforms like Twitter (X) and Instagram. Netizens are raising concerns about the content being promoted on her platform and questioning the impact of such material on Indian culture and youth.
Outrage on Social Media: “Save Culture, Save India”
Social media users have started a campaign to ban ALTBalaji entirely, arguing that its content is harmful to Indian society. A user named Shilpa Pasaladi posted, “Save culture, save India,” criticizing the OTT platform for promoting what she called “poisonous” content that misleads youth. Other users have also joined in, expressing their frustration with the content on ALTBalaji, particularly its portrayal of sensitive topics.
Demands to Revoke Ekta Kapoor’s Padma Shri Award
Among the many posts circulating online, some users have questioned why Ekta Kapoor received the prestigious Padma Shri award, considering the type of content produced by her OTT platform. A user named Kreately.in on Instagram asked, “Till date we have not understood why she received the Padma Shri?” Many are demanding that the government take strict action against ALTBalaji and revoke Kapoor’s award.
Social Media Backlash: Calls for a Permanent Ban
The outrage against Ekta Kapoor and ALTBalaji has intensified, with several users demanding a permanent ban on the OTT platform. One user, Darshita Sharma, tweeted, “Ekta Kapoor has been doing this for many years, but now it’s time for the government to take strict action. These people are spreading filth in society.” Many others echoed this sentiment, calling for tougher regulations on such platforms.
Some users also criticized the platform for allegedly tarnishing the image of the Indian Army and its families. A post from Sanjay Poonia claimed that ALTBalaji’s content is disrespectful to the wives of army personnel, further fanning the flames of controversy.
What is ALTBalaji?
ALTBalaji, launched in April 2017, is an OTT platform owned by Ekta Kapoor and her mother, Shobha Kapoor, under Balaji Telefilms. The platform has gained popularity for its bold and controversial web series, with Gandii Baat being one of its most talked-about shows. However, the provocative nature of the content on ALTBalaji has often sparked debates about its appropriateness for the Indian audience, and this latest controversy has only added to its troubles.
With the case under the POCSO Act now underway, and growing calls for a ban on ALTBalaji, the future of the platform remains uncertain. The backlash serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate about the balance between creative freedom and responsible content creation in the digital age.