About this Video

• Video Title: ‘We Break our Hearts, Not our Business’
• Channel: Forbes India
• Speakers: Akta Kapoor
• Duration: 00:19:49

Introduction

This Forbes India interview features Akta Kapoor, a prominent figure in the Indian entertainment industry. The conversation centers on her three-decade-long career, encompassing television, film, and digital platforms, exploring her approach to risk-taking, success, female representation, and the impact of streaming services.

Key Takeaways

• Long-term success in a rapidly changing industry: Kapoor attributes her success to adaptability and a willingness to embrace change, viewing survival as a key measure of achievement.
• Instinct over risk assessment: In her early career, Kapoor followed her instincts when creating content, rather than engaging in extensive risk analysis.
• The impact of Kyuki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi: This long-running daily soap had a significant and lasting impact on the television industry and remains a career highlight for Kapoor, despite her subsequent successes in other media.
• The democratizing effect of digital platforms: Kapoor discusses how digital platforms have expanded content distribution, benefiting both creators and audiences, creating more avenues for success but also changing the monetization landscape.
• Balancing creativity and commerce: Kapoor emphasizes the necessity of balancing creative vision with business realities, noting that while creativity is subjective, financial success is crucial for the sustainability of the entertainment industry and the livelihoods of those involved.
• Female representation: Kapoor advocates for a gender-agnostic approach to storytelling, opposing the creation of separate “female-oriented” categories and arguing that women should be given equal opportunities across all genres and roles within the industry.
• Dealing with criticism: Kapoor has developed resilience to criticism over her long career, focusing on her work and choosing to ignore negative comments about her appearance or choices.