Television producer Ektaa Kapoor and her mother, Shobha Kapoor, have issued an official statement in response to a case filed against them under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The case pertains to their web series Gandi Baat, produced under the ALT Balaji banner. The Kapoors clarified that neither of them is involved in the day-to-day operations of ALT Digital Media Entertainment Ltd, which produces the series, and distanced themselves from the allegations.
The statement, shared on ALT Balaji’s official Instagram page, stressed the company’s compliance with all relevant laws, including the POCSO Act. It denied accusations of involving minors in inappropriate scenes. “Mrs Shobha Kapoor and Ms Ektaa R Kapoor are not involved in the day-to-day operations of the company, and the same are managed by separate teams, including its content strategy,” the statement read.
ALT Balaji expressed confidence in the judiciary and confirmed that it is fully cooperating with the authorities in the ongoing investigation. However, as the matter is sub-judice, the company refrained from commenting further.
The case stems from an episode of Gandi Baat season 6, which aired on ALT Balaji between February and April 2021. The complaint alleges that the series depicted inappropriate scenes involving minor girls. The contentious episode has since been removed from the platform.
On Monday, the Mumbai Police questioned Ektaa and Shobha Kapoor and asked them to appear again for further questioning on October 24. The authorities have requested information about the actors involved in the series and will be recording the statements of the actors and the director. Additionally, the police have asked the Kapoors to provide documents related to ALT Balaji.
This case has attracted significant attention due to the high-profile nature of those involved. However, Ektaa Kapoor’s latest project, Love, Sex Aur Dhokha 2 (LSD 2), released in theatres on April 19, continues to make waves. Directed by Dibakar Banerjee, the film explores the dark side of society’s obsession with digital media and relationships.
As the investigation continues, both the Kapoors and ALT Balaji maintain their innocence and await the court’s judgment.
