In one of the biggest splits to hit the entertainment industry, Star India, one of India's leading broadcasters, is reportedly said to have parted ways with Balaji Telefilms, known for its saas-bahu serials. A close source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said serious differences had cropped up between the content producing Balaji Telefilms and Star India, owing to the delay in launching regional channels under a joint venture (JV) between the two partners.
Beyond doubt, the Balaji is one of the largest and most successful television content providers in Hindi.
Speaking to a close source in the Balaji camp, "Balaji's ire stems from the delay in the launch of regional channels under the JV announced by the two partners." But a source from the Star India states, "Star had entered into an exclusivity deal with Balaji under which the content producer catered to prime time shows for the channel. No other Hindi general entertainment channel was allowed to air Balaji shows in that time band. Star has been paying a premium all these years for the exclusive time slots, but ratings for Balaji shows have slipped lately. Subsequently, Star has replaced Balaji shows with other productions, thereby reducing the channel's dependence on Balaji.
Balaji's ire – After the JV was announced, there was no move from the Star Group. They were supposed to manage the operational aspects, while Balaji had to provide the content for the channels. It has been over a year and there has been no move on the regional bouquet front.
Star's counter - The Balaji showcases haven't been drawing the eyeballs. Ekta Kapoor, in a press conference for a daily soap on Star's prime time stated, "I cannot work magic if the channel is flagging back. Balaji Telefilms can push the limits, but the final onus falls on the channel."
Jeetendra, Shobha Kapoor, Tushar Kapoor and Ramesh Gopaldas Sippy together hold 40.01 per cent stake in Balaji. According to the news published in a leading financial newspaper, Balaji is talking to a consortium of investors to buy Star's stake in the company and will float another joint venture company with these investors to launch a bouquet of regional television channels. When we contacted the CEO, R. Karthik, he said, "This is mere speculation. We are a listed company and the first communication would be to the shareholders."
Yash Khanna, EVP Corporate Communication, Star India said, "We cannot comment on speculations. Balaji, as recently, was the producer of Star Parivaar Awards." But Star Parivaar Awards is ancient history when it comes to the media industry which thrives on 'whats-in-store-tommorow'.
Recently, non-Balaji serials have been generating the right TRPs thereby letting Star heave a sigh of relief over their over-dependency on Balaji content. Sapna Babul Ka…Bidaai, SRK's Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez Hain, Hamari Devrani and their yet to be released Bobby Bedi's Mahabharat is making the right waves on the Star platform.
We had earlier reported of the growing rift between Balaji and Star India when an executive from the channel, on condition of anonymity commented, "We wouldn't touch Ekta's Mahabharat and the erratic 'K' actors with a ten feet barge pole." Ekta finally took her showcase to INX media.
Anupama Mandloi, Sr. Creative Director, Content for Star refused to comment. Balaji CEO R. Karthik couldn't be reached for comment. Ekta Kapoor was unavailable for comment.
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