'If I fail to deliver, it's nobody's fault but mine!'

Aparajita Saha, Ronjita Das

Money talks. But not always.

Zee TV's ambitious answer to Star TV's Kaun Banega Crorepati?, Sawaal Dus Crore Ka, is a prime example.

The serial is now languishing in oblivion in spite of its more-than-generous offer of moolah. The money stakes did not work their magic on the TRP ratings, which is why the management decided to look elsewhere for remedy.

The result? A displaced Anupam Kher. And a potential replacement in Ashutosh Rana.

The alleged reason? Conflicting date problems between Zee and Kher.

Stressing on the damage caused by this dismissal, Kher says, "Apart from the loss of money, I have lost my reputation. Not only have I lost money from the show, but also from the films I didn't take up due to the dates I had set aside for the show. If the show is doing badly, the management cannot single me out -- the TRP ratings depend on a lot more than just the host."

Terming this as a "question of his rights," Kher still awaits the official notification of his removal. "Until such time, I will go for the shoot as scheduled on December 15."

Giving the story another twist is Zee spokesperson, Sainath Iyer, who maintains that Kher is still in the show. "In the second schedule, which is starting shortly, the shooting requires more time. Then, there is a conflict of dates between Kher and Zee. Based on this, we may part ways.

"In fact, the producer of SDCK, Gajendra Singh had a talk with Kher and said that he (Kher) had a problem with dates."

When contacted, Gajendra Singh went along with Iyer, saying "Sainath and I are a team, and whatever he says holds true."

Dismissing this as nonsense, Kher, who is clear that there were no date problems whatsoever, says, "I was only verbally informed two nights ago about this turn of events. This is extremely unprofessional on the part of Zee TV. According to my contract, a written notice has to be delivered to me 60 days in advance. Only then can I be officially let off the serial."

Commenting on the alternatives for the role in question, Iyer feels it unwise to discuss them at this stage. And co-host Manisha Koirala refused to comment on the issue.

Someone's loss is inevitably someone else's gain. While Kher contemplates his course of action, Ashutosh Rana prepares to face the action as the possible host-in-waiting.

"Talks are yet on. But yes, this is an interesting and challenging opportunity, and with it comes tremendous responsibility.

"It is interesting because actors tend to get cut off from people and the real world once they are in mainstream cinema, and a platform such as this provides a much needed interaction with the masses.

"This exposure will help me grow as an actor and develop my personality as well."

Emphasising on the challenges ahead, one of whom is the none other than the formidable Amitabh Bachchan himself, Rana says, "He is a legend. I can't even begin to compete with him. He and I belong to very different eras. Compared to the niche Bachchan has carved for himself, I'm niche-less."

Claiming his proficiency in the Hindi language to be his edge, Rana states, "I'm fortunate that God blessed me with the ability to communicate effortlessly in our national language. I feel this is what Zee TV saw in me."

"When I did Dushman, Kajol and Sanjay Dutt were both seniors and I the newcomer. But that didn't intimidate me. No one enters a profession knowing everyone in it. It is only through work that I will get to know my colleagues," is what he had to say when asked about his pairing with Manisha Koirala in the show.

About the difference of opinion between Kher and the management, Rana diplomatically adds, "That is between them. I can't speak on their behalf, as it is not in my position to do so.

"As far as I am concerned, the possibility of being removed is a risk I have to take. I can't blame anyone if I fail to deliver the goods. One should know one's capacity and admit it when something is beyond that capacity.

"I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. If I fail, I will know that I tried. And I'll be happy if I manage to pull it off. Everything I do is done with the utmost sincerity and that is what matters to me."

Earlier story:
Zee replaces Anupam Kher with Rana