Shivaji's Nishabd-esque relationship...

Stories are floating in from the sets of CID about the 50-plus Shivaji Satam's friendship with 22-year-old co-actor Alka Verma.

They have been close friends over a year now, since the actress joined the cast of the show.

A good word

Shivaji is a widower. Says a source from the production house Fireworks, "Alka joined CID about a year back.

The channel was not too enthusiastic about having her on the show and they relayed that to Fireworks.

Realising that she might be shunted out of the show, Alka began forming a close bond with the protagonist Shivaji.

Consequently, Shivaji put in a good word for Alka; as he enjoys certain clout on the show since he almost single-handedly carries the show on his shoulders. Today, their association is very strong."

The source further reveals that Shivaji and Alka often go out for parties together. "The entire CID unit knows about their closeness.

Shivaji has a big clout on the show and he even tells the director to take more close-ups of Alka and give her more lines to say."

Just 'friends'

When contacted, Satam simply said, "Alka is the only girl on the set. Everybody helps her. We are like one big family.

There is nothing going on between us. I don't indulge in such things. I am a typical middle-class Maharashtrian man with values. I have worked in films too and have a clean reputation. Alka and I are just good friends."

Alka too had something similar to say, "I have somebody in my life. I call Shivaji Satam as Sir. He is as old as my father.

Yes, he guides me in everything. But I have a very pure and healthy relation with him and every other member of CID."