Filmmaker Ekta Kapoor received the prestigious International Directorate Award at the 51st International Emmy Awards ceremony in New York. The award was presented by the renowned author and new age leader, Deepak Chopra.
Ekta has become the first Indian woman filmmaker to receive the honour.
In a statement, Ekta said, ‘I’m delighted to receive the prestigious Emmys Directorate Award! It brings me immense joy and happiness to be honoured at a global scale, such as this. I’ve always wanted to tell stories because they give me a chance to be heard, seen and represented. I am grateful for the audience’s love that has opened doors for me, allowing me to transition from television to the world of films and OTT. Each story that I told became a bridge to connect with audiences on many levels. The unexpected turns this journey took are a testament to the power of love showered by the people of India and beyond. My heart is filled with gratitude, and a stronger resolve to make a positive impact through my work for audiences.’
Ekta has been behind some of the most popular Indian TV shows including ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhie Bahu Thi’, ‘Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii’, ‘Kkusum’, ‘Pavitra Rishta’ and ‘Kasautii Zindagii Kay’, among many others.
She also ventured into producing Bollywood films with 2001’s ‘Kyo Kii… Main Jhuth Nahin Bolta’. Other films from her stable include ‘Kyaa Kool Hai Hum’, ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’, ‘Mission Istanbul’, ‘Love Sex aur Dhokha’, ‘Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai’, and ‘Shor in the City’. Her latest release was Ayushmann Khurrana’s ‘Dream Girl 2’.
Earlier, Bruce L Paisner, President & CEO of the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences had said in a statement, ‘Ektaa Kapoor has built Balaji into one of India’s foremost entertainment players with market leadership in the television content industry reaching mass audiences across India and South Asia with their long running series and OTT platform. We look forward to honouring her remarkable career and influence on the television industry, with our Directorate Award.’
At the International Emmys, Jim Sarbh (Rocket Boys) and Shefali Shah (Delhi Crime 2) lost in their respective categories, while Vir Das clinched a win for his stand-up ‘Landing’.
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