Kundali hullabaloo: Ektaa refutes rumours

Ektaa Kapoor refutes rumours of matching horoscopes and being upset with Balaji loyalists Sandiip Sikcand and Smriti Z Iraani joining hands with Sony.

This week has prime time producer Ektaa Kapoor in the hot seat once again regarding allegations of Balaji Productions hiring its cast and crew by matching their kundalis with hers, that Ektaa had declined to give shows to Sony after Sandiip Sikcand had shifted to Sony. This was followed by the news that actor Smriti Z Iraani had joined hands with Applause Entertainment to make family shows.

The horoscope hullabaloo: Actor Manoj Biddvai who was till recently seen in 'Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' (Star Plus), claimed that he was offered to play the lead in 'Karam Apna Apna' (Star Plus). He alleges that since apparently his horoscope didn't match Ektaa's, he was denied the role.

Ektaa clarifies this insinuation saying, "It's not true! Never has Balaji ever asked for horoscopes. Why should I ask a 'sidey' actor to match his horoscope with mine? Those who understand astrology would know that horoscopes are only matched when you get married. And I definitely don't want to marry him!" She continues, "In fact, I was asked by the channel to remove him as he was not working well. I had cast him in 'Kasauti Zindagi Kay' and 'Kyunkii..' before. Why didn't I match his horoscope then? This is the funniest allegation that I have heard."

On being superstitions, she says, "Next month we will be launching a huge spiritual show. I will then explain to all what spirituality really means."

Sony and Sandiip: On Balaji not doing any more programming for Sony after Sandiip Sikcand shifting to the channel as head of programming, Ektaa clarifies, "I have no issues with Sony. I just didn't have a show for them. As for SAB, it does alternative programming and I am interested in doing different shows."

Smriti and me: To add to all the rumours of Balaji being under adverse scrutiny, came the news of Ektaa's blue-eyed discovery— Smriti Z Iraani tying up with Kumarmangalam Birla's Applause Entertainment to make family shows for TV. What's more, Smriti's foremost project is for Sony. To this Ektaa says, "I have no issues with Smriti. She can do what she likes. I wish her all the best." She adds nonchalantly, "My bonding with her remains the same."

k_farhana@dnaindia.net