Shobha Kapoor Receives Lifetime Award: “Never Expected This

The living rooms of millions fell silent, then erupted in applause. For decades, Shobha Kapoor’s name has been woven into the fabric of Indian television, shaping cultural conversations and defining prime-time drama. This week, the visionary architect behind countless iconic shows received the industry’s highest honour: the Editor’s Choice Ramanand Sagar Lifetime Achievement Award at the Indian Telly Awards 2025.

Shobha Kapoor’s Lifetime Achievement Award: A Testament to Television Legacy

As Managing Director of Balaji Telefilms, Kapoor masterminded a storytelling revolution. Her journey began over two decades ago, fueled by a desire to support her daughter Ekta Kapoor’s creative dreams. “It was Ekta’s dream to tell stories,” Kapoor reflected emotionally during her acceptance speech. “I, just being her mother, decided to support her… Slowly, her dream became my passion too.” This partnership birthed era-defining serials like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, and the supernatural phenomenon Naagin. Each show didn’t just dominate TRP charts; it sparked national conversations, redefined family dynamics on screen, and made Balaji a content empire.

Kapoor’s genius lay in balancing commerce with cultural resonance. She championed narratives that mirrored middle-class aspirations while pioneering bold themes. Under her leadership, Balaji tackled social issues like widow remarriage (Pavitra Rishta) and complex relationships (Bade Achhe Lagte Hain) with rare sensitivity. Industry analysts credit her with transforming television into a medium that empowered women—both on-screen and off-screen, through countless jobs created. Her acceptance speech echoed humility: “Balaji Telefilms gave me my own identity… This award belongs most to our audience.”

The Emotional Pillars Behind the Powerhouse

Beyond boardrooms and brainstorming sessions, Kapoor highlighted her family as her bedrock. “Thanks to my husband Jeetu and my son Tushar… I would have never achieved this without their encouragement,” she shared. Her acknowledgment of Ekta Kapoor’s role was particularly poignant, revealing a rare mother-daughter symbiosis in entertainment leadership. Kapoor also thanked broadcast partners for their trust, emphasizing creative freedom as key to Balaji’s disruptive storytelling.

The Ramanand Sagar Award, named after the legendary creator of Ramayan, recognizes individuals whose contributions transcend ratings to shape television’s cultural DNA. Past recipients include stalwarts like Ekta Kapoor and B.R. Chopra. Shobha Kapoor’s win places her among these titans—not merely for hit shows but for democratizing storytelling. As noted by The Indian Express, “Kapoor turned the television screen into a mirror for the Indian family.”

Today, Shobha Kapoor’s legacy isn’t just archived in re-runs; it lives in every writer she mentored, every taboo Balaji broke, and every living room still glued to the next episode. Her journey proves that behind every iconic show is a visionary who dares to dream louder. Celebrate her timeless impact by revisiting Balaji classics—where every frame changed television history.

Must Know

Q: Why did Shobha Kapoor win the Ramanand Sagar Lifetime Achievement Award?
A: She received the honour for revolutionizing Indian television over 20+ years via Balaji Telefilms, creating culturally seminal shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Naagin that reshaped viewing habits and societal narratives.

Q: How did Shobha Kapoor react to her Lifetime Achievement Award?
A: In her emotional acceptance speech, she credited daughter Ekta Kapoor for inspiring her journey, thanked her family and audiences, and stated, “This award belongs most to our viewers.”

Q: What makes the Ramanand Sagar Award significant?
A: Named after the creator of epic series Ramayan, it honors individuals whose contributions leave a permanent imprint on Indian television’s artistic and cultural landscape.

Q: How did Shobha Kapoor impact women in television?
A: She broke barriers by normalizing female-centric narratives, addressing women’s issues sensitively, and leading a production house that employed thousands of women in creative/technical roles.