Introduction:

Ekta Kapoor, often referred to as the "Queen of Indian Television," is a renowned television producer, content creator, and creative genius who has revolutionized the Indian television landscape. Through her banner, Balaji Telefilms Limited, she has created a vast array of television serials that have captured the hearts of audiences across the nation. With a career spanning several decades, Ekta Kapoor has introduced iconic characters, memorable storylines, and groundbreaking concepts that have left an indelible mark on the Indian TV industry. In this article, we take a closer look at some of her most iconic and longest-running TV serials that have become household names.

1. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi

• No. of Episodes: 1,833
• Original Release: 3 July 2000 to 6 November 2008
• Star Cast: Smriti Irani, Ronit Roy, Sudha Shivpuri, Hiten Tejwani

"Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" was a pioneering show that set the stage for the saas-bahu (mother-in-law vs. daughter-in-law) genre in Indian television. It featured Smriti Irani in the iconic role of Tulsi Virani and became a cultural phenomenon, running for nearly nine years.

2. Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii

• No. of Episodes: 1,661
• Original Release: 16 October 2000 to 9 October 2008
• Star Cast: Sakshi Tanwar, Kiran Karmarkar

"Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii" was another immensely popular show that explored the complexities of family dynamics. Sakshi Tanwar's portrayal of Parvati Agarwal earned her widespread acclaim, and the show was a staple in many households for eight years.

3. Kasautii Zindagii Kay

• No. of Episodes: 1,423
• Original Release: 29 October 2001- 28 February 2008
• Star Cast: Cezzane Khan, Shweta Tiwari, Urvashi Dholakia, Hiten Tejwani, Ronit Roy

"Kasautii Zindagii Kay" was a love saga that captured the hearts of viewers with its memorable characters, including the iconic villains Mr. Bajaj and Komolika. The show recently had a reboot with a new cast, but the original version remains etched in the memories of fans.

4. Kumkum Bhagya

• No. of Episodes: 2,000+ (Ongoing)
• Original Release: 15 April 2014 - Present
• Star Cast: Sriti Jha, Shabir Ahluwalia, Mugdha Chaphekar, Krishna Kaul, Pooja Banerjee

"Kumkum Bhagya" is currently the longest-running show produced by Ekta Kapoor. With its enduring love story between Abhi and Pragya, played by Shabir Ahluwalia and Sriti Jha, the show continues to top the TRP charts and enjoys immense popularity.

5. Pavitra Rishta

• No. of Episodes: 1,424
• Original Release: 1 June 2009 – 25 October 2014
• Star Cast: Sushant Singh Rajput, Ankita Lokhande, Hiten Tejwani, Asha Negi, Rithvik Dhanjani, Karan Veer Mehra

"Pavitra Rishta" introduced Sushant Singh Rajput and Ankita Lokhande to the world and became a beloved show. Even after its conclusion, the characters of Archana and Manav remain cherished by fans.

6. Yeh Hai Mohabbatein

• No. of Episodes: 1,895
• Original Release: 3 December 2013 - 18 December 2019
• Star Cast: Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya, Karan Patel

"Yeh Hai Mohabbatein" was a tale of love, family, and relationships that ran for six years. The chemistry between Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya and Karan Patel as Ishita and Raman was a highlight of the show.

7. Kundali Bhagya

• No. of Episodes: 1,091+ (Ongoing)
• Original Release: 12 July 2017 - Present
• Star Cast: Shraddha Arya, Dheeraj Dhoopar, Manit Joura

A spin-off of "Kumkum Bhagya," "Kundali Bhagya" continues to captivate audiences with its intriguing storyline and well-etched characters. The show explores the lives of Preeta and Karan and their complex relationship.

8. Kkusum

• No. of Episodes: 1,001
• Original Release: 14 May 2001 to 30 November 2005
• Star Cast: Nausheen Ali Sardar, Anuj Saxena

"Kkusum" was a story of resilience and inner strength, with Nausheen Ali Sardar in the titular role. It garnered a massive following during its run.

9. Parichay

• No. of Episodes: 415
• Original Release: 9 August 2011 to 15 March 2013
• Star Cast: Samir Soni, Keerti Nagpure, Gautam Rode, Arti Singh, Madhurima Tuli

"Parichay" explored the journey of a fallen hero, Kunal Chopra, and his redemption through love and family support. Samir Soni's performance was particularly acclaimed.

10. Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan - No. of Episodes: 1,449 - Original Release: July 15, 2002, to March 13, 2009 - Star Cast: Juhi Parmar, Hussain Kuwajerwala

"Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan" was a heartwarming love story that won over audiences with the chemistry between Kumkum and Sumit.

Conclusion: Ekta Kapoor's contribution to Indian television is unparalleled, and her serials have not only entertained but also shaped the TV viewing habits of millions of viewers. Her ability to create compelling narratives and memorable characters has solidified her position as a true trailblazer in the world of Indian television. With each of her shows, she continues to push the boundaries and set new standards for the industry, leaving an indomitable legacy that will be celebrated for years to come.