I Love Every Indian Festival; Living Each Tradition and Sharing Its Meaning Is My Responsibility – Ekta Jain

by Bhavna S.J

Bollywood actress, host, influencer, and social worker Ekta Jain recently celebrated the Marathi New Year, Gudi Padwa, with a special shoot, once again highlighting her deep connection with Indian culture and traditions.

On the occasion, she said, “I love all festivals of India. I celebrate each one wholeheartedly and make an effort to share its significance with people.”

Born in Calicut and raised in Gondia and Yavatmal in Maharashtra, Ekta Jain has been multi-talented since her early years. She played handball at the state level as a goalkeeper. In 1995, she completed a civil defence course under the NCC cadet program, and in 2004, she became a certified first aider. She later moved to Mumbai, where she pursued her education, trained in boxing, and won the title of “Miss Malad.”

She began her career in theatre, where between 1998 and 2001 she performed in Hindi, Gujarati, Sanskrit, and Hinglish plays such as Abhishapt Karn, Meena Nu Maandvo, Udhav Samvaad, Babysitter, and Bambai Ki Hawa Gayi Tabah.

In television, she appeared in several popular shows including Family No. 1 (1998), Shakalaka Boom Boom (2000), Shagun (2001), Apun To Bas Waise Hi Yaar (2001), Kahin Diya Jale Kahin Jiya (2002), and Naina (2006). She also portrayed the role of Ganga in a mythological series.

In films, she featured in Taal (1999), where she played the younger sister of Aishwarya Rai. In Nayak – The Real Hero (2001), she portrayed a reporter from Q TV News Channel alongside Pooja Batra and Johnny Lever. She also appeared in Anjaane – The Unknown (2005) as a lawyer and later worked with Dharmendra in Khali Bali (2022).

Ekta Jain has also hosted shows such as Gapshap ane Shringar (DD Gujarati, 2004) and Saas Bahu Aur Betiyan (Aaj Tak), and has remained active on digital platforms.

During her career, she took a break to work as a senior cabin crew member with a reputed airline before returning to acting. Recently, she signed a podcast titled Life Unpacked and is associated with The Healing Circle, a wellness initiative focusing on alternative healing methods such as acupuncture, naturopathy, chiropractic care, and yoga.

Ekta Jain is also actively involved in social work. She founded the DPP Trust in 2022, through which she distributes sanitary pads to women and provides educational materials to underprivileged children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she contributed to relief efforts by distributing PPE kits, sanitizers, and ration supplies.

Since 2014, she has received more than 50 awards, including the Lions Gold Award (2014), Maharashtra Gaurav Award (2017), India’s No. 1 Brand Award (2018), Babasaheb Ambedkar Noble Award (2018, 2019), Dadasaheb Phalke Purashkar (2020), Great Indian Awards (2021), International Buddha Peace Awards (2023), and Leading Women Top 50 Award (2026).

Sharing her philosophy, she says, “God has sent us into this world to perform our duties, and I am fulfilling my responsibilities with sincerity.”

She has also pledged to donate her eyes and organs.

Ekta Jain’s journey reflects her identity not only as an artist but also as a socially responsible individual committed to making a meaningful contribution to society.