Clause and effect - HT Article - 13/10

From November, actors signing Ekta Kapoor's shows will also have to participate in a celebrity cricket tournament

A tournament, scheduled to start in November, will see the participation of only television actors.

Bollywood celebrities contributed towards making cricket leagues popular in India. Not to be left behind, TV stars are getting in on the act as well. A tournament, scheduled to start in November, will see the participation of only TV actors. And to ensure that enough small-screen stars take part, Ekta Kapoor, who is the co-owner of the property, has added a special clause in her contracts.

"The clause will mention that an actor will have to participate in the cricket league as long as they are associated with her shows. It will be included in the agreements of stars who will sign Ekta's shows from November," adds the source.

Box cricket tournament already has 120 players signed on. Last year was the first season of the league, but it was not telecast. "This year, it will be aired. And Ekta is leaving no stone unturned to make sure that it becomes popular," says a source close to the producer.

When contacted, Tanuj Garg, CEO of Balaji Motion Pictures, confirms the news. He says, "The league is the company's first sports reality show. We're looking forward to it, and would like our television talent to come on board."

Source - Hindustan Times