"Why are you dressed like a freak?"
Producer Ektaa Kapoor says wearing her faith openly has often invited judgement from others.
She recently spoke about being mocked for wearing a tika and dhaaga in public.
People reportedly questioned her appearance and even called her a “freak” and a “tantrik.”
She shared these experiences during a conversation on a podcast with Ranveer Allahbadia.
Ektaa described what she sees as “Hinduphobia” existing within the Bollywood industry today.
She also questioned why Hindu folklore and mythology are not always readily accepted.
Her remarks came after the release of her latest production, The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest.
The film stars Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia in the lead roles.
It takes inspiration from traditional folklore rooted in the state of Bihar.
Talking about the film’s reception, Ektaa said its connection to folklore mattered deeply to her.
She felt this connection mattered just as much as the numbers the film earned.
Ektaa also questioned why audiences seemed more comfortable with certain kinds of fantasy stories.
“Numbers are great for the film. What is really important is it deals with folklore.
“I’m just gonna say it on camera, Hinduphobia, and we have so much of phobia with what do we call…
“We’re okay with animated animation, but we’re not okay with discussing folklore and mythology.
“So I’m so okay with bringing it all out and having people accept it.
“There’s so much more acceptance now.”
Ektaa recalled being judged for wearing religious symbols, particularly her tika and dhaaga.
She said something as ordinary as expressing her faith could quickly become a talking point.
Remembering one such incident, she recalled someone asking her a pointed question directly, saying:
“Why are you dressed like a freak?”
She admitted being taken aback by the comment at the time it happened.
Ektaa questioned why her choice of religious attire was treated as something strange by others.
She responded: “Wearing a tika and wearing a dhaaga is dressed like a freak, my darling?
“I can’t even tell you. Wearing a tika and wearing your religion on your sleeve is such a problem.”
During the conversation, Ranveer also brought up how Ektaa had once been labelled a “tantrik.”
The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest is directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and written by Arunabh Kumar.
The film combines fantasy and supernatural elements with folklore rooted in Bihar.
Its story draws inspiration from beliefs surrounding the Maa Van Devi Temple in Bihta.
This temple is located around 35 kilometres away from the city of Patna.
Ektaa Kapoor currently has several projects lined up across films and digital entertainment.
She recently announced that Balaji Telefilms is partnering with YouTube for original content.
This partnership will create five original shows spanning a total of 200 episodes.
The upcoming slate includes Haq Se Season 2 and Phir Pyar Ki Yeh Kahani Suno.
It also includes Kehne Ko Humsafar Hai Season 4 as part of the lineup.
Ektaa also confirmed that The Dirty Picture 2 is currently in development.
