| Ekta Kapoor finally breaks her silence on the cold war between her and Irani, saying the actor is taking a break from Tulsi. Does this mean Smriti will eventually return to the show?
| | | Still Standing: Ekta Kapoor | Fifteen days from today, Smriti 'Tulsi' Irani will make her exit from the landmark Balaji show, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.
Apparently, this move didn't go down to well with Balaji honcho and Smriti's best friend Ekta Kapoor, and stories of a cold war turning into a full-blown war of words between them have been doing the rounds for quite a while now.
Kapoor is finally ready to talk and put all speculation to rest. "Here are the facts," she tells HiTLIST, in an exclusive interview.
Who is replacing Smriti?
Believe it or not, I have still not finalised a replacement as a few issues have to be worked out. The decision will be taken this week. It will be either Gautami Kapoor or Padmini Kolhapure.
Why is Smriti leaving the show?
| | | Still Standing: Smriti Irani | Smriti is taking a break. But how long her break will be is an open-ended question.
Does that mean she can return to the show?
As I said, we have left it open.
When will Smriti's last episode be aired?
Either on May 21 or 22. I am involving my upcoming film Shoot Out At Lokhandwala in the drama of her last episode, which will subsequently give way for the entry of a new face for Tulsi.
Were you disturbed when Smriti told you she wanted out?
No. Doesn't that sound fake? But it's the truth.
Aren't you annoyed with her for leaving?
There is no problem between Smriti and me. We are on talking terms and constantly SMS each other. People will not believe this, but this is a fact.
Did you go to the Kyunki set and yell at her?
(Laughs) To have a fight, two people should meet. I have not gone to the Kyunki sets for the last nine months (pauses).
Go on...
I last met Smriti when I went to shoot for Koffee with Karan on April 16. Smriti and I caught up at the Sports Bar and had a drink together. That was the time she expressed a desire to take a break from Kyunki.
After talking at length, we hugged each other and said bye. The story that we had a fight was the outcome of a personal vendetta.
Has Smriti's pre-occupation with Virrudh reduced quality to Kyunki?
Smriti is a very professional actor. I think that answers your question.
Explain Smriti's 'break'?
Those reasons are strictly between the two of us. I can't disclose them.
Why did Balaji opt out of co-producing Smriti's Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Sa Aasman?
I believe that every show should have one boss only. Also, it was very important that our producer/actor equation was maintained.
For that, both of us couldn't be producers on the same show. As it is, I was not creatively involved on the show at all.
For the last few days, all characters on Kyunki have been ridiculing Tulsi. Is that out of vengence?
That's a part of the story. The forthcoming episodes, where Tulsi will come back with a new face is linked to what is happening to her now. It would be sheer stupidity for Balaji to hit out.
How do you see Kyunki without Smriti?
As such, there has been very little of Smriti in Kyunki in the last eight months. I agree that it will be a huge loss not having her in the show. But a show is a show.
I am not worried that people will stop watching Kyunki after Smriti's exit. On the contrary, I am very excited about the new step that I am taking in Kyunki. I have developed a very exciting new track.
Have you seen Virrudh?
It's an excellent show. Smriti is an excellent producer.
It seems Smriti wants to follow in your footsteps.
I take that as a compliment. And let me tell you, she has always taken my opinion whenever she does something important.
Do you check actors' kundalis before signing them?
No. But ever since this false story was printed, I've been flooded with actors' kundalis on my mobile phone! Every morning, I get at least four such messages.
Balaji selects actors only if they suit the role and not on the basis of their kundalis! An actor spread this false story to the media.
Who is that actor?
Manoj Biddwai. He was doing one of my shows sometime back and was removed.
You are all set to launch a religious product?
I am launching graha dhoops, which will be available for all seven days of the week. The product is called Ekta's Karyasiddhi Graha Shanti Dhoop.
The dhoop packet will have my face on it. Sunita is shooting an ad for it, which will be directed by Kabir Khan (director of Kabul Express). The ad will go on air from June 7, my birthday. Source: Mid-day
New one.. Gawd! we have to bear the silly story of everyone behaving badly with Tulsi for a few more weeks. đ
sorry if posted before đ
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