'Apoorva and I don't talk to each other'

Surveen Chawla and Apoorva Agnihotri in Kaajjal

We hear you and Apoorva are not talking to each other?

That's right. We stopped talking after that ridiculous story that said we're having a scene. Consequently, the atmosphere on the sets has become very uncomfortable.

Is that affecting your work?

Of course, it's affecting my work. I feel disoriented when I'm working, but I have no choice. My reputation's at stake.

So this means that you and Apoorva were not seeing each other?

Have I gone mad? I am not a girl with loose morals. Apoorva is a happily married man and is constantly talking about his wife, Shilpa (Saklani). Apoorva and I were like buddies on the sets.

If two people talk and laugh together on the sets, it is misconstrued as an affair! I don't know what kind of world we live in. Do I have to live in isolation and tape my lips when I am not facing the camera?

You mean somebody planted that story?

I wish I didn't have to believe this, but someone from Twenty Twenty Television (Kaajjal's production house) has told me that there's a black sheep in their family.

It's apparently been done to get back at me. Even if it has been done to create hype, I am not willing to put my dignity at stake to raise TRPs.

Why does Twenty Twenty Television want to get back at you?

There have been problems and heated arguments on the sets over time issues and other things; at times, the arguments have even become abusive.

Also, I am very strict about my payments; I had problems about my cheques not coming in time. What's wrong with ensuring that you get paid on time for your hard work? Sony is a very nice channel to be with, but the production house has driven me to the edge.

Did you call Shilpa to clear your conscience?

No. I thought about it at first, but didn't go through with it. I am terribly confused. More than that, I am angry.

I can't shoot without a relaxed mind. Believe me, I can't even have a bath in peace! When I am driving, my thoughts are elsewhere; I think I am heading for an accident. My life has gone upside down.

If you had been in Shilpa's place, what would you have done?

I would have been shaken up. I have realised we live in a world where people are so vindictive that they can stoop to any level to get back at you.

It's going to take me a long time to recover from this and I don't know if things will ever be normal again.

Any lessons learnt?

I wish I could teach a lesson or two to the people who've played with my reputation and dignity.

In retrospect, wasn't Balaji Telefilms (KTH, Kasautii) a more peaceful place to work? Only Aamna Shariff had a problem with you…

That problem was one-tenth of what I am undergoing right now!