Producer Ektaa Kapoor recently took a nostalgic walk down memory lane, recalling an emotional moment that left her in tears during the narration of the 2018 romantic tragedy Laila Majnu. Known for backing powerful stories, Ektaa revealed that the film’s script moved her so deeply that she had to pause the session.
Sharing the memory on Instagram, Ektaa confessed that she has only cried during a narration three times in her career. The first was while listening to the opening episode of her iconic television show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, particularly a scene where Mihir remembers his father’s birthday. The second was during the narration of The Dirty Picture, when Vidya Balan’s character Silk meets her tragic end. The third, she said, was during a key scene in Laila Majnu.
“So there are only three times in a narration I have cried… and third this scene, I had to stop the narration because I cried so much. Sajid Ali was shocked. I needed five minutes to continue!!!!” she wrote.
Ektaa went on to describe the heart-wrenching scene that overwhelmed her. In her words, it captured the pain of longing and separation with devastating intensity. She explained how Laila, after being told countless times that Qais is enjoying life in London, finally comes face-to-face with the reality. Instead of the thriving man she was led to imagine, she sees a frail, broken version of the person she loves. In that moment, no lies can mask the truth — she realises his soul has suffered just as deeply as hers.
Directed by Sajid Ali, Laila Majnu starred Avinash Tiwary and then newcomer Triptii Dimri in lead roles. The film is a modern retelling of the legendary Arabic tale of Layla and Majnun, centred on two lovers whose union is thwarted by familial opposition. Triptii portrayed Laila, while Avinash played Qais Bhatt, delivering performances that later gained a strong cult following.
Though the film initially received a modest response at the box office, it has since been widely appreciated for its intense storytelling and emotional depth. For Ektaa Kapoor, however, the power of Laila Majnu was evident from the very first narration — a moment she clearly still holds close to her heart.