More info on Aman Verma fiasco

"We will target the couch phenomenon in other industries too..."

Suhaib Ilyasi is a contented man. His India's Most Wanted, which ruled the roost once on Zee TV, but was currently a lukewarm weekly show on Rajat Sharma's India TV, has suddenly become the channel driver. Despite the slapdash presentation, the near coquettish manner in which the snares are laid and Suhaib's own unsophisticated style of anchoring, the last two episodes have managed to catapult the channel into national attention.

After Shakti Kapoor and Aman Verma, we now hear that Suhaib has trapped a few yesteryear filmstars and scriptwriters into offering careers in return for sexual favours. Sapana Patil spoke to the producer on Thursday afternoon to discover that Suhaib is just beginning to warm up to his crusade.

Is India TV undertaking these sting operations to increase channel share and awareness of India TV?

That's a wrong statement. We are very clear about our mission - to expose the casting couch phenomenon.

Then why do you invite SMSes from viewers? Isn't that being done to attract revenues too?

SMSes reflect the responses of the people. They congratulate us and encourage us. About the money part, I would not like to comment.

Who's next on your list? We believe two yesteryear actors have also been snared by you.

I cannot disclose that.

The video that shows Aman bending and asking for forgiveness does not show his face.

If you watch closely, you will realise it is Aman.

Do you fear the film industry banning you?

People who do good work have to often suffer such humiliation. But that will not keep us from exposing the truth.

And what about the threats that you might receive from Bollywood and underworld?

These are just actors. We have dealt with criminals.

But the lady often seems to be leading Aman into the act. Anyone would give in to the allurement. She could have firmly refused him instead of coyly saying "Aman don't be naughty."

How else could we expose Aman? If you notice closely, Aman takes her into the bedroom and asked her to come close. When she refused, he scratches his nose wonderingly…

Do you agree that the casting couch exists in other industries?

Yes I do.

Do you intend swooping down on then with cameras?

Yes we do.

Did Balaji Telefilms or Sony Entertainment television get in touch with you after the Aman episodes were aired?

Why would they? The girl mentioned Balaji merely as part of the story.

from indiantelevision.com/tellychakkar