| | | Shilpa Saklani and Anuj Saxena on the sets of Kkusum Pic: Pradeep Dhivar | Balaji's prime time Sony show, Kkusum, is being relegated to the 7.30 pm slot from Monday. This is not the only indication of the channel's changed stand towards the drama. Sony's 10th anniversary bash invite, doesn't mention Kkusum.
The event will be held on October 22. The card celebrates all its shows like Fame Gurukul, Indian Idol, CID, Ye Meri Life Hai, but Kkusum is conspicuous by its absence.
Ekta gives in
About the changed timing, producer Ekta Kapoor admits, "Kkusum will now air at 7.30 pm," she says. Incidentally, last October, Kapoor had refused to accept any change in Kkusum's telecast.
Indian Idol was originally to be aired at 9 pm on Thursdays and Fridays, but Kapoor was adamant about the 9 pm slot on Thursdays, as it meant that Kkusum would only be on three days — Monday to Wednesday. As a result, Idol was aired at 9.30 pm. &nb sp;
Not a favourite now
At that time, Kapoor had said, "A daily soap cannot run for only three days. Soaps are about habit-building and this habit will break if a huge gap occurs." Obviously, it is a changed scenario today. Kkusum can now be relegated to the 7.30 pm slot as it is not tops with viewers. The twists and turns in the lives of Kkusum (Shilpa Saklani) and Abhay (Anuj Saxena) has taken a toll on the show. Channel mum
Several cast members are not even aware of Kkusum's new time slot. And those in the know feel it is unfair. They would prefer it be taken off the air. Obviously, the change in timing is towards that.
At present, a repeat of Ye Meri Life Hai airs in the 7.30 pm slot. The channel preferred not to make any comment on the rescheduled timing or the omission of Kkusum from the anniversary invitations.
shaheen@mid-day.com |