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Vidya Balan To Mouni Roy, 7 Actresses Who Rose To Fame With Ekta Kapoor’s TV Shows
Sanjeev Kumar | August 2, 2026 8:23 PM CST

Over the years, many actresses introduced by Ekta Kapoor have gone on to build successful careers in television, films, OTT and reality shows.

Here are actresses like Vidya Balan, Mouni Roy, Prachi Desai and many more who rose to fame and made a name for themselves in the entertainment industry.

7 Actresses Who Rose To Fame With Ekta Kapoor's TV Shows

1. Vidya Balan - Hum Paanch (1995)

Long before becoming one of Bollywood's finest performers, Vidya Balan made her acting debut with Hum Paanch in 1995. Although she later faced several setbacks before entering films, the sitcom gave audiences their first glimpse of her natural acting talent. Vidya went on to redefine female-led cinema with acclaimed performances in films like The Dirty Picture, Kahaani, Tumhari Sulu, Mission Mangal, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, earning multiple awards along the way.

2. Prachi Desai - Kasamh Se (2006)

Prachi Desai became an overnight sensation after making her television debut as Bani Walia in Kasamh Se (2006). Her popularity on the show opened doors to Bollywood, where she impressed audiences with films like Rock On!!, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai, Bol Bachchan, and several web projects.

3. Anita Hassanandani - Kabhi Sautan Kabhi Saheli (2001)

While Anita Hassanandani had appeared in a few projects earlier, it was Ekta Kapoor's Kabhi Sautan Kabhi Saheli (2001) that established her as a leading television actress. She later became one of Balaji's most trusted stars with memorable roles in Kkavyanjali, Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, and Naagin 3.

4. Surveen Chawla - Kahiin To Hoga (2003)

Surveen Chawla entered the television world with Kahiin To Hoga in 2003, where she quickly gained recognition. She later reinvented herself through Punjabi and Hindi films before earning widespread acclaim on OTT with shows like Sacred Games and Decoupled.

5. Mouni Roy - Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (2006)

Mouni Roy made her television debut in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi in 2006. Although Naagin turned her into a television superstar years later, her first break came under Ekta Kapoor's banner. Today, Mouni has established herself across television, Bollywood, music videos, and reality shows, with notable films including Gold and Brahmāstra: Part One - Shiva.

- Did You Know Mouni Roy Started Her Career As Background Dancer Before Becoming Actress?

6. Ankita Lokhande - Pavitra Rishta (2009)

Few television debuts have been as impactful as Ankita Lokhande's in Pavitra Rishta (2009). Her portrayal of Archana made her one of Indian television's biggest stars. She later ventured into films with Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi and Baaghi 3, while also becoming a popular face on reality television.

- Ankita Lokhande Says She Is Ready To Do Films For 'Free': 'I Don't Run After Money'

7. Nia Sharma - Kaali - Ek Agnipariksha (2010)

Nia Sharma began her acting journey with Ekta Kapoor's Kaali - Ek Agnipariksha in 2010. She soon found massive success with shows like Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai, Jamai Raja, and later Naagin 4. Nia also emerged as one of television's most glamorous personalities, winning reality shows and building a strong digital presence.

From Vidya Balan and Prachi Desai to Mouni Roy, these actresses first found fame through Ekta Kapoor's TV shows before building successful careers across television, moviesand OTT. Their journeys reflect how a strong start on the small screen opened doors to bigger opportunities.


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