MUMBAI: It was a night to remember at the 25th edition of Indiantelevision.com and TellyChakkar.com’s Indian Telly Awards, as Balaji Telefilms’ managing director Shobha Kapoor was finally recognised for her silent yet towering contribution to the Indian television industry.
In a long-overdue move, the editorial board of the Indiantelevision.com group conferred her with the Ramanand Sagar Lifetime Contribution Award — a decision taken after much deliberation and unanimous agreement.
The emotional high point came when her husband, veteran actor Jeetendra Kapoor, took to the stage at JW Marriott, Mumbai, to receive the award from Indian Telly Awards founder Anil Wanvari. But instead of keeping it, he stepped down from the stage and handed the trophy to Shobhaji, who was seated in the front row — triggering a wave of thunderous applause and emotion across the ballroom.
What followed was a heartfelt video message from daughter Ekta Kapoor, currently in the US: “Mom, you deserve all the awards we’ve ever got. Balaji is nothing without you. I am nothing without you. You’ve always worked behind the scenes, never seeking credit. Today, finally, someone has given it to you..”
Trying hard to hold back tears, Shobhaji accepted the tribute with poise and composure. “It was an evening to remember! I’m honoured to have received this award and specially from my husband who has been my biggest support throughout the 30 years of my career! Above all my daughter and partner Ekta kapoor who has been and is the driving force ! Thank youu Indian telly awards ?,” said Shobhaji.
“Shobhaji has been Balaji’s rock — in its highest highs and darkest lows,” said Wanvari. “She allowed Ekta to blossom as a creative force, while herself building the operational backbone of the company. Together, they’ve created a powerhouse that has trained and mentored scores of television professionals across the industry.”
He added, “Ekta has been showered with accolades over the years. It was time Shobhaji, one of Indian TV’s real heroes, received her moment in the spotlight.”
(If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)