Mihir rejects Tulsi's proposal
Amarr Upadhyay
Amarr Upadhyay refused to play the lead in yet another Balaji production. The reason was a low pay-packet
Sapana Patil Poojary
When Balaji Telefilms began their search for the male lead in their forthcoming serial, Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Sa Aasmaan (A joint venture by Balaji Telefilms and Smriti Irani), the list of the contenders included many names, including Jackie Shroff.
But few know that the role which is now being enacted by Kiran Karmarkar was initially offered to Amarr Upadhyay of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi fame. Apparently, Amarr refused the role. And this is not the first time the actor acted pricy. A few months ago, he was offered a lead in Krimson Skies, another new serial from the Balaji stable, but Amarr wasn't happy with the remuneration being offered and therefore declined.
"Since I had refused Ekta for Krimson Skies, I was surprised to get a call again for Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Sa Aasmaan. Unfortunately, Balaji isn't paying me my price. It is a big production house and should at least pay me what I receive from other production houses. I think they are just being unreasonable and wasting my time. I am a professional after all," says Amarr.
"My role in Viraasat is doing well with the audience and I am concentrating hard on the character. However, I could have done Thodi Si Zameen…provided my stint was a short one. I could also have agreed, had she introduced my character later. My dates are already booked for Viraasat. Today, I am one of the highest paid actors in the industry and have strived hard to reach here. I would love to work with Ekta again, provided she pays me well. I expect people to acknowledge my worth," Amarr adds in a similar vein.
Having said that Amarr asserts that money is not the only deciding factor for him."
When Smriti Irani was producing Gujarati films, she called me to play the lead opposite her. I asked her how many days she required and she agreed to complete the shoot within 10 to 15 days. I immediately agreed without discussing the money. For my friends, I can even work free. I am successful even outside the Balaji house," he adds.
However, Nivedita Basu, deputy creative director, Balaji Telefilms has a different story to narrate. "There were no money issues with Amarr. Kiran Karmarkar was our first choice and when he was finalised, we didn't go beyond that," she said.
• Unfortunately, Balaji isn't paying me my price. It is a big production house and should at least pay me what I receive from other production houses. I think they are just being unreasonable and wasting my time — Amarr
