SIM Fiasco!! all's cool say contestants

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Posted: 18 years ago
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Sim fiasco; All's cool, say contestants


Nach Baliye 2, the most talked about show has never called for any controversy till date. But finally the controversy bug created a ruckus for the channel and that too a big one!

As reported by a local tabloid, Manav Gohil and Shweta Kawatra, one of the NB 2 jodi's have been nailed down by the Thane Cyber Cell for distributing 200 sim cards to their friends and relatives so that they can vote for the couple.

DCP, Thane Crime Branch, Sanjay Shintre, when contacted refused to divulge any information apart from the fact that the case is shut as of now, he added, "The police can act upon the case only if other participants or the organisers complain formally to them."

The other participants on the show seem to have no hitch at all from this behaviour of their co-contestants, Shweta and Manav. While some talk about their campaigning style, others choose not comment. Here is what they have to say :

Gauri Tonk

Take on the issue: Well, I don't think they have done anything wrong. All couples are free to campaign the way they want, and this is the manner adopted by Shweta and Manav, so what is the big deal? Terming them as cheats is pushing it too far. They haven't done something which is hampering other participants. And moreover they are paying for it.
Our campaigning: We haven't done anything as of now. Recently we went to Indore, and now we will go to Nagpur. Our campaigning will be simple, unlike printing T-shirts and all of that.



Hiten Tejwani

Take on the issue: Well, I have no comments
Our campaigning: Have you heard anything about us? We have never campaigned to get votes!


Tina Darira

Take on the issue:In my opinion one cannot call it cheating. We all do campaigning and ask them to vote. But Shweta and Manav are paying for what they want which I think is absolutely fair. I would do the same if I was in a dire need of votes.
Our campaigning: We have posters stuck in our society, our freinds and family are voting for us and spreading the word.


Gaurav Chopra, who was voted out two episodes ago has something different to say. "Well, the organisers know better but according to me I wouldn't ever indulge in such a thing, also I don't approve of anyone doing something of this sort. It certainly damages the faith of our audience!



Manav and Shweta's close friend Sharad Kelkar too is very upset about this issue. He says, "It hardly makes a difference, it's the way one campaigns! I spoke to Shweta and she said that it has been blown out of proportion. And it is a mere 4000 votes, which is not a big deal. And knowing them in and out, they are the most genuine of the lot, and will not do anything for which they will be called as cheats." He further adds, "They are not thinking of doing anything about it, as such frivolous reports come and go!"

The channel refutes the issue. Sameer Nair, CEO Star Entertainment India, asserts, "We have definitely encouraged all Nach Baliye participants to canvas for votes, and many of them have gone the extra mile to do so in all ways. The participants are committed to abiding by all the rules of the show, and our systems are robust enough to ensure that all set rules and regulations are followed in totality."

Speak up!

Gajendrra Singh, producer of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and Cinistar Ki Khoj
It is certainly very unfortunate to hear something of this sort happening in reality shows. I do not support this kind of campaigning. If one wants public support they can go all out and convince people but not distribute sim cards. Such things will never be encouraged by me in my reality shows. Also, one cannot cast aspertions on public voting system just because there is one such case. But also I believe that a genuine voter will vote once or maximum twice for his favourite contestant and the channel can easily spot foulplay

Sandiip Sickand, Chief Creative Director, Sony TV
I know Manav and Shweta personally and they are amazing people. Nothing as yet is confirmed as such, it's just an article in a newspaper so I do give them a benefit of doubt. We are channel people not moral police to call them cheats. A channel does give them the liberty to campaign for themselves the way they want but one should know where to draw the line. Nothing should be achieved by unfair means.

Manav and Shweta were unavailable for their version

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