Astitva will end soon: Abbas Khan

We helped juniors

We spoke to Nikki, who admits, "We've had a harrowing time. The youngsters were taking a long time to get the expressions right. Abbas seldom got it right; Yuvika had problems initially, but is now getting better.

We had to shoot for lots of extra time." Nikki denies that the senior actors are to be blamed. "We have often helped these newcomers. We are very possessive about the show, having been with it longer," she says.

They drove us to tears

But Abbas Khan, who was replaced last week, disagrees. "Nikki did help, but only rarely.

On certain occasions, when Yuvika had a scene with a senior, she would burst into tears.

Even I cried on a few occasions; it was physically exhausting. Initially, I was told that I would be required for just 15 days, later they wanted more than 25 days."

Yuvika admits that she broke down once, but dismisses it as a ragging incident. "I was ragged on the first day when Nikkiji, Alokji and the others tried to fight with us. After that, there have been no problems. I am trying my best. I am a fresher and it is bound to take some time."

Yuvika feels that the new generation needs sufficient time to settle down, but the Astitva cast and crew are in a hurry.

"They should have given Abbas more time. After all, he was a fresher too." Says Abbas, "If I was not delivering, why was I tolerated for three months? There was a guy called Vipul who was in my place before. He was thrown out in one day."

Abbas alleges…

Continues Abbas, "That I don't know. But I was shocked when Ajay's (Sinha, the director of the show) wife Sangita called me at 10.30 pm and said I was not part of the serial anymore. I wish I could have asked them why."

Ajay should have been on the sets more, feels Abbas. "Often, I couldn't get it right because the two directors who were controlling the proceedings had a different vision, and neither coincided with Ajay's views.

I wish Ajay would come to the sets and take charge. He is busy with other things in life."

The actor continues, "I did not leave the serial because I wanted to do films. As far as I know, Astitva is coming to an end in the next two to three months. I have even started looking for more TV work."

Director's cut

Director Ajay Sinha refutes Abbas's charges. "That guy wanted to do films, so I let him go. There was never any problem on my sets between senior and junior artistes."

vickey.lalwani@mid-day.com