Following a sweeping ban on 25 OTT platforms by India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Balaji Telefilms issued a public clarification to distance itself from ALTT — one of the apps named in the government’s list. The company emphasized that Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor stepped away from ALTT’s operations and board positions three years ago.
The statement landed shortly after the ministry cracked down on platforms accused of streaming “obscene” content. ALTT’s inclusion stirred a storm online, triggering speculation over Kapoor’s continued role. But both Balaji and Kapoor were quick to push back, denying any ongoing association with the platform.
Ekta Kapoor Breaks Silence, Says She’s Not Involved
Ekta Kapoor, no stranger to controversy, used her social media accounts to issue a firm and direct message.
She wrote that she and her mother Shobha Kapoor “are not associated in any capacity whatsoever with ALTT” and had formally ended their association back in June 2021. Her tone was crystal clear — they’ve been out of the picture for a long time.
In her words, any statements implying otherwise “are categorically denied.” Kapoor also urged media houses to check facts before publishing stories, hinting at the wave of misreporting that followed the government’s announcement.
Balaji Telefilms Highlights Corporate Separation
Balaji Telefilms, the parent company many still associate with ALTT, released a detailed clarification.
They said the platform was no longer under their management, highlighting a structural shift that took place as early as 2021. This isn’t a fresh divorce — the company and its former subsidiary have been on different tracks for quite some time now.
And here’s the key update: ALT Digital Media Entertainment, the company behind ALTT, stopped being a Balaji subsidiary after a merger approved by the National Company Law Tribunal. That change becomes officially effective from June 20, 2025, but the operational separation has already been in motion for years.
In plain terms? They’re done and dusted.
The Government’s Ban Sparks Heated Debate
This isn’t just about ALTT. The ministry’s decision to block 25 apps has drawn both support and backlash, igniting debates about content policing, digital freedom, and platform accountability.
Here’s a quick glance at some of the banned platforms:
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ALTT
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ULLU
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Big Shots App
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Desiflix
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Boomex
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Navarasa Lite
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Gulab App
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Kangan App
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Jalva App
The ministry claims these apps were in “serious violation” of Indian laws related to obscenity and pornography. But for many, the suddenness of the action raised questions about process and due diligence.
What This Means for the OTT Ecosystem
The ban has sent shockwaves across India’s sprawling OTT space — a landscape that’s exploded with independent creators, regional players, and experimental content over the last few years.
Now, platforms — both major and minor — are on alert. Everyone’s wondering: What’s the new red line?
There’s no official clarity yet on whether the banned apps will be given a chance to respond or appeal. The ministry hasn’t issued detailed reasoning or evidence for each case, which leaves space for speculation.
Even larger platforms not on the list are reviewing their content libraries, bracing for possible scrutiny.
Kapoor Name Still Carries Weight, But Times Have Changed
It’s hard to separate Ekta Kapoor from India’s digital entertainment boom. Her name, for better or worse, is linked to both mainstream hits and bold content experiments. But as this situation shows, legacy doesn’t mean control.
The reality is Kapoor hasn’t been involved in ALTT’s decision-making for years. And while her name still trends whenever ALTT pops into headlines, the legal and operational ties have been cut.
This moment might finally make that distinction clear to the public.
