Sachin Sharma was fired-Producer

Left in a huff

According to Patnaik, "A few days ago, we were shooting at Film City, when Sachin demanded a make-up van. Tapasya, the executive producer of the show, categorically told him there was no provision for a make-up van on that particular day. Hearing this, Sachin stormed out of the sets."

Only show he had

Patnaik says he met Sachin after this. "I got a call at 11 am that Sachin walked out of the shoot. Later, I met up with him and asked him to leave the serial. He was taken aback that we had taken this harsh step. He told me he didn't have anything other than CID Special Bureau on hand, and wanted to stay back; we did not relent. TV actors must know how important it is to maintain the continuity of a show."

Zero-tolerance approach

Why was the make-up van not provided? "When we shoot at Film City, we generally don't provide this facility. What was Sachin cribbing about? There were other actors present at the shoot on that day, and they, too, were not given a make-up van. Why did Sachin want one?

According to Patnaik, Fireworks will not think in terms of a replacement for Sachin. "We have sufficient characters in the show; we don't need Sachin. Our company cannot give in to unprofessional and unethical behaviour."

Sachin's shock

We contacted Sachin, who eventually said, "Yes, I asked for a vanity van. How can I change in front of 50 people on an outdoor shoot? Later, I did meet Yash Patnaik; I hadn't imagined that a basic demand would snowball into such an issue. But it's okay, I have no regrets. Anyway, I was telling Patnaik that my character was not happening in the show. I was promised something meatier."

vickey.lalwani@mid-day.com