Article:Sandeep Sickand: punching bag?

T he show is con- sidered Sony's big ticket show after Bigg Boss. The recently launched Virrudh is made by Smriti Z Iraani's Ugraya Enter- tainment and Birla's Applause Entertainment . Their work Virrudh has become a talking point because of its well-defined concept and its star cast. Despite viewer interest, the TRPs are fluctuating between 0.8 and 1.2. This is one of the few serials in which the synopses of episodes to be aired weeks ahead are ready. It's routine for all channels to give their inputs for the better- ment of the show. Ugraya and Applause's creative teams have complained of a tough time dealing with the channel's creative team. The same team works with Star on Thodi Si Zameen, Thoda Sa Aasman. Channel speak Sony's creative head Sandiip Sik- cand says, "I'm a convenient punching bag. Bashing up Sandi- ip is the flavour of the season." What is the response to Vir- rudh? He replies, "Fantastic. It's generated hype which is similar to what we saw for the Bigg Boss. It's too early for this to reflect in the TRPs, especially with the Do it our way From Kaajal Sabki Ankhon Mein Bassi, Kulvaddhu, Jeeta Hain Jiske Liye to Virrudh, the com- plaint from production houses is about meddling in the script by the channel's creative team. World Cup matches on the air." Isn't the channel meddlesome? Insists Sikcand, "No. We do give our feedback but we leave the rest to the producers. At times, there is no logic in certain sequences. We point that out. "I've known most members of Viruddh's creative team closely for nearly two years. I think vested interests are just trying to malign a good show." Is it true that he had asked to be relieved from giving inputs to scripts on a continual basis? Says, Sikcand, "Yes, but all producers seem to insist that I should help them. They claim that my inputs improve the show. "As a team, we only feel that we have a right to contribute to make it a good show. It cannot be termed as interference if we're both working at making the show click with the viewers." He concludes, "The rumours are appaling. If anyone has a grievance, we will extend all our support to clear the issue." What's brewing? The channel has been insisting on a bank of episodes but no produc- er seems to comply. On the subject, Iraani is guarded and says, "We're working in tan- dem with the channel." usha.thomas@hindustantimes.com