Fake fight for TRP?-Ravi v/s Abhijit-Artc

"There wasn't really a tiff."

Abhijeet Bhattacharya

What was the reason for the recent tiff between Ravi Kishan and you on the sets of Ek Se Badhkar Ek?

A particular participant was singing in a style which sounded more like cloning his idol. All I said was that one could idolise someone, but should not become a clone of that person. Ravi tried to defend the participant by talking about all the big stars of today who have imitated someone to come up. Agreed that there have been cases such as that, but adopting a style and being a clone are two different things and the latter might bring in some accolades initially but won't help you make your identity in the long run.

Do you think it is right for an anchor to interfere with the judges' decisions?

An anchor's job is to be absolutely neutral and unbiased towards everyone. He should only be presenting the show and leave the scoring to be done by the judges. Moreso, if he was a music director or a singer; I would have still understood him defending someone.

What is your personal equation with Ravi Kishan?

Ravi and I have been good friends for a long time and we still do not have any hard feelings for each other. It was just that he tried to take someone's side, which is incorrect and I pointed it out to him.


Tiffs between judges and anchors are often seen as publicity stunts...

People who want to sensationalise their shows due to low TRPs do such stunts for gaining public interest. What happens in my shows is never a publicity gimmick. It is all real because I don't support creating a drama to attract audience. Finally, the audience is not a fool and they can understand very well what is real and what is made up. Precisely why my shows are the most successful realtiy shows. What is the whole point in making it up and calling it a 'reality' show. If you want to stage a natak like this then you might as well call it a TV serial.



Ravi Kishan

What was the reason for the recent tiff between you and Abhijeet during the show?

Yeh sab chalta rehta hai. I believe I'm not just an anchor, I'm also a procetor of the participants. I'm the voice of the people. I believe as a judge, you should keep your emotions aside as you have a responsibility towards the audience. You have to play fair. Sometimes Abhijeet da says things which I don't agree with. Kuch baatein sambhaal ke kehni chahiye. When you're passing a comment at anyone, you have to be very particular about what you're saying. Main toh bhidta rehta hoon.

Do you think anchors should interfere in the judges' decisions?

I think an anchor should let everyone talk. I see to it that the participants get a chance to talk, the judges get to talk and only then I speak. Everyone should get an equal oppurtunity to speak. But I think the judges should speak only as much as required. There should be a healthy debate.

What's your personal equation with Abhijeet?

Personal equation is good. There's no enmity between us. We're from different fields — he's a singer and I'm an actor. We meet even after shoots.

Tiffs between judges and anchors are often seen as publicity stunts...

I don't think one can play games with the audience now. They'll catch you instantly. Audiences are not fools. I don't think I have to go to that level to gain TRPs for my show. Publicity stunts don't happen in my shows. I make it clear to the showmakers before taking it on that I will not be given fillers. I will deliver the goods without all that.

cheers

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