‘I love being a tyrant’

The fate of her films and television series is not Ekta Kapoor’s prime concern. “Believe it or not,I’m most bothered about getting dressed for a party and wearing make-up. God forbid if you end up repeating an outfit,it’s a bigger horror than my film,” says Kapoor,as she readies to talk about her upcoming voyeuristic horror flick,Ragini MMS. But before introducing the movie,she clarifies rumours about her temperament and being described as “an ogre”. “That’s because I stepped into the industry at the age of 16 and a half and to be taken seriously I had to be strict. I love being a tyrant,” she says.

At least five sizes lighter than a decade back,a glowing Kapoor was seen at the Inter National Institute of Fashion Design in Sector-8,Chandigarh. Dressed in a pair of anti-fit cargos and a frumpy netted Tee,with her rock-size rings,bracelets,a plus sized handbag and black platform heels,she seemed comfortable as she chatted about the small screen,her love for American sitcoms,Bollywood,and more importantly Ragini MMS. “It’s going to be India’s first youth horror film,” says Kapoor,talking about its release that is scheduled for May 13. While the true identity of the girl from whose life this film was inspired will be revealed on May 5,Kapoor says the story was brought to her by the producer of the film. “We authenticated it and went ahead because the horror genre has not been fully exploited in our country. It’s still caricaturist,with women in white sarees and perfect perms,” says Kapoor. Ragini MMS is the story of a couple on a weekend getaway in a haunted bungalow. The girl has no clue that the guy has placed 22 cameras to shoot their ‘dirty’ weekend and forward it publicly.

With three releases — Ragini MMS,The Dirty Picture and Shor in the City — lined up for release,the producer seems to be enjoying her “alter ego” status. “The name of my company,Alt,comes from my alter ego,” says Kapoor,who wants to focus on “young cinema,that is high on concept”. “It is a professional and personal move. Youngsters want this kind of cinema,” says she. Sex and sleaze? “No,that’s pure perception. Sex sells,but take The Dirty Picture — it’s anything but promiscuous. It’s euphoric,tragic,yet humourous.”

The opinion of critics does not matter to her. “We sniff for formulas and research on what will work. All my life,I have followed my gut feeling. There have been side effects — my back resembles an Australian coral reef with a million back stabs,but I refuse to live a regimented,manipulated life,” says the trendsetter who gave television its millions — money and viewers.

Preparing for another television show Bade Achche Lagte Hain,that revolves around a married couple,Sakshi Tanwar and Ram Kapoor,on Sony TV,Kapoor says,“In India,two per cent of love happens in gym,five per cent in restaurants,eight per cent in clubs and 95 per cent after marriage. This show is set after marriage.”