Balaji and Star at loggerheads

Following reports of Star’s top show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi to be axed, the fall-out between the channel and the production house is evident. Reports suggest that Star TV has sent a notice to Balaji asking them to terminate Kyunki by November 10, which is before the expiry of the contract. This comes as a blow to both Balaji and the viewers as it was only recently that Balaji’s other flagship show Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii went off-air on 9 October. Balaji is of the view that the termination is in breach of contractual obligations owed by the Star Group to Balaji and is pursuing all legal remedies available to it in relation to the same. Kyunki is one of 6 programs presently being produced by Balaji for the Star Group. It produces 2 programs for 9X, one for Zee TV and is also producing 2 programs that will be launched on NDTV Imagine. “Kyunki… is soon going off-air. Though the contract with the channel is not yet over Star has asked Balaji to shut down Kyunki much before the due date. The production house feels it is unfair to pull off a show so abruptly especially when it rates in the top 5 shows of the channel,” informs a source. Yash Khanna, Executive VP Corporate Communications said, “We don’t wish to comment on it.” When contacted, Nivedita Basu Creative Head Balaji, said, “I am not the right person to talk to on this issue. Only Ekta Kapoor or Shobha Kapoor can suffice the queries.” Despite repeated attempts both Ekta and Shobha remained unavailable.