I am not quitting Sony,that's final:Sandi

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Mysticparadox

@MysticParadox

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Posted: 18 years ago

I am not quitting Sony,that's final:Sandiip
By: Shaheen Parkar
April 2, 2007

Sandiip Sikcand, the channel's chief creative director, clears the air about buzz that he's been shown the door

It Ain't True: Sandiip Sikcand
Pic/ PRADEEP DHIVAR

Contrary to rumours, Sandiip Sikcand is not quitting Sony. In the last couple of months, there has been more talk about his exit than the channel's shows that are currently on air.

Almost eight months after his appointment as Sony's chief creative director, Sikcand clears the air about the buzz around him and the channel's prospects.

Were you asked to leave the channel because shows weren't picking up?

There was no such thing. I am not quitting Sony and that's final. I was not asked to go nor am I leaving.

People would call me, saying, "Hey, you are still in office? We thought you had gone." I heard that my last working date was March 31. That day has come and gone and I am still in Sony's office.

So is the date April 30 now?

No. This is baseless talk. I've stopped reacting to them now.

Do you know who is behind these rumours?

I have no clue. If I knew, I would pick up the phone and ask the person why. Why write my obit even before I've gone?

It is being said that you floated these rumours yourself.

That's ridiculous. Why would I do such a thing? What would I gain from this?

A dose of publicity, perhaps? You love seeing your pictures in the papers.

That's crap. There are so many assumptions and allegations about and against me, which are all baseless.People have known me as a theatre person even before I joined Balaji Telefilms.

I've done several plays like Ask What Father Says, Oh God! And Champagne In The House with well-known actors, so it is not that I am suddenly basking in the limelight or looking to be written about.

Are you under pressure to perform?

My job is challenging. It's not easy and I've been giving it my all.

There is also speculation about the fate of several Sony shows…

Again, those are baseless rumours. None of the present shows are going to be pulled off the air. Kaajjal, Ek Ladki Anjaani Si, Thodi Khushi Thode Gham, Durgesh Nandinii and Jeete Hai Jiske Liye will continue.

The newly launched Virrudh has also received favourable response. In fact, Durgesh Nandinii has a new character Sikander (Mohit Malik) to challenge Durgesh and even Jeete Hai Jiske Liye is due for a major twist

Then why was Kulvaddhu targetted?

It was not targetted. We have conducted surveys to understand the profile of our viewers and realised that it was not fitting with the profile of the channel. There are certain policy decisions the channel has to take.

Was it done to appease another prospective producer?

Certainly not. No channel functions like that. To appease one producer we cannot displease another.

Are you the reason why there are no Balaji shows on Sony currently?

There is no such thing. A channel is open to all production houses and their ideas.

Why is there always buzz about your moves with reference to Ekta Kapoor?

This is what I have experienced from Day One at Sony. Balaji is my past. I have moved on and want to do this job the best I can.

Have you met Ekta since quitting Balaji?

No.

Will there ever be an end to the controversies around you?

I am unnecessarily dragged into it. I have encountered several ups and downs and it's all part of life. I have learnt to take all this in my stride.