Can't stomach this!
Actors of the television serial 'Aek Chabi Hai Padoss Mein' (Star Plus) seem to be frustrated with the poor quality of food being provided by the Great Punjab Caterers on the sets. Apparently, the food is found to be of substandard quality and often adulterated. Incidentally, the cast of the show includes Varun Badola, Suhasi Garodia and Amita Nangia.
An actor on conditions of anonymity says, "The food isn't hygienic. It is oily, half-cooked and not even tasty. There is no variety either. Earlier the food was good. But after the caterer got established here, the quality has started deteriorating." Another actor adds, "The caterer was warned several times but he just kept ignoring. Then his services were discontinued. Following this, he promised to improve the quality of food and so he was back. But the quality still hasn't improved."
Some actors have boycotted the food and chose to eat at a restaurant in the vicinity instead. This more than often delays the shoot.
Caterer Harpal Singh, owner of the Great Punjab Caterers defends himself saying, "These allegations are baseless. I have a good reputation. I provide food to big production houses like Balaji Telefilms, Yash Raj Films and Ravi Chopra's unit." About the problems on the sets of 'Aek Chabi…' he says, "I serve a good variety for Rs 40 per plate. For other production houses, I charge about Rs 60 per plate. Despite that, these people are not happy." He adds, "I suspect that some technicians are deliberately adulterating the food. They want to bring in their relatives as caterers."
While a unit member reveals that the production house apparently owes Singh about two lakh rupees, citing this as the reason for another caterer not being hired, Singh claims the contrary. "As a matter of fact, this venture is not profitable for me. I am putting in my own money. I want to discontinue after my dues are paid," he states.
Producer Anupam Kalidhar however says, "Money was not the issue between us. We had warned the caterer about the poor quality of food. But he didn't pay heed to our warnings and hence we have replaced him."
DNA
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