Salil is back on small-screen

The actor resumes acting in 'Karam Apna Apna'

Salil Ankola, who was booted out of 'Bigg Boss' (Sony) last week due to an injunction passed by the Mumbai High Court, returned to the 'Karam Apna Apna' (Star Plus) sets yesterday.

The cricketer turned actor had allegedly flouted an agreement signed with Balaji Telefilms, which required him to commit all his dates to the production house for 'Karam Apna Apna' (Star Plus) that was launched on August 29 this year. The actor was expected to abide by the contract for the next 12 months. He shot for 20 days each in August and September on the sets of 'Karam..' but did not show up in October. It was later learnt that Salil had signed up for 'Bigg Boss'.

When Balaji moved court, Justice DK Deshmukh ordered that until the arbitration in the agreement is pending, the actor cannot act, endorse, advertise or do voice overs for programmes produced by production houses that compete with Balaji. Sony had no option but to ask him to leave.

A week later, a repentant Ankola sent a text message to Ektaa Kapoor, saying he was sorry that he had overstepped his limits. A forgiving Ekta, it appears, has let bygones be bygones, and has decided to re-induct him into 'Karam..'

Confirming the development, Salil says, "Keeping my best interests in mind, I took the initiative and Ektaa responded with warmth and positivity. I spoke to the creative head Doris and I am happy to be back working for Balaji again. Life is too short and ego destroys. It was important for me to settle this issue amicably."

If the Salil episode is the latest in the supposedly ongoing feud between Balaji and Sony's creative director Sandiip Sikcand, then it appears to be advantage Ektaa for now!