Lots happening at the moment on the sets of the show Jodha Akbar airing on Zee TV. That the project has done exceptionally well over the time at the ratings front is common knowledge. It started with a lukewarm response but went on to shoot up in popularity under the able creative guidance of the Czarina of Indian television, Ekta Kapoor of Balaji Telefilms.
All was good, but one issue kept on haunting Ekta and her creative team. The protests from the saffron brigade, namely from the Rajput community, who claimed that the story was mythical and it put the above community in a bad light.
Protests after protests hit Ekta and her team. There were even reports that she was attacked (unconfirmed sources) by protesters when she attended the recent Jaipur Literature Festival.
Now the news has come in that Ekta has backed out of the project and no longer holds the reins of Jodha Akbar as the producer. She confirmed the development in an interview with a leading publication.
But we, Tellychakkar.com, have some exclusive info. There are whispers in the corridors that the Ekta pull out episode' is only a stunt to keep the protesters away to facilitate a smooth release of Balaji's (co produced by Pritish Nandy Communications) upcoming movie, Shaadi Ke Side Effects.
"Actually, her team is still working in the show. I think it's a gimmick to stay away from controversies," said a source.
The fact gains credence as the credit line of Jodha Akbar's episodes still shows Balaji Telefilms as its producer.
When we buzzed Ekta about the development, she asked us to "talk to the new producer" but chose not to divulge any further.
A channel spokesperson chose not to comment at all in the issue.
We will keep a keen eye on the development. But the drama doesn't end here as controversy continues to ail the creative team of the show.
In what can be termed as a shameful act, we have confirmed information that the Director of the show, Santram Verma, and one of his creatives entered into an ugly fist fight, leading to the latter getting expelled.
Cuts in a source: "Santram has always had a troubled relationship with his team mates. Earlier, almost 100 people from the crew resigned owing to his inhumanness. He is talented and a thorough professional, but his ways to deal with people are extremely violent and rude."
The same source also stated that after the fight, higher authorities from Balaji Telefilms paid a visit on the sets to keep a tab on the situation. The aftermath of the incident was such that shooting was called off today.
We tried reaching Santram but his phone remained unavailable.
All we can say at this point of time is that all is certainly not well on the sets of Jodha Akbar and reins need to be tightened to keep people and situations in check, to bloom a congenial working atmosphere.
Shiv Shakti
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