Giaa Manek, Gopi bahu of hit Star Plus TV serial Saath Nibhana Saathiya, was given marching orders by the channel for allegedly breaking the terms of her contract and signing on for dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa on Colors. Giaa claims the controversy has almost caused her to have a nervous breakdown and denies that there was any breach of contract.
"My contract says that I have to devote 25 days to Saath Nibhana Saathiya every month. Rest of the five days are at my disposal. I was asked not to do Comedy Circus as it did not suit my image and I can't sing, so any singing reality show was out of the question.
"I had informed the production house that my participation in Jhalak Dikhla Jaa will in no way hamper Saathiya's progress, but they just did not listen."
Did it get in the way of shooting of Saath Nibhana Saathiya?
"I don't want to get into the details. I was almost heading for a
nervous breakdown. I met a psychiatrist and I was informed that the tension could lead to depression and then finally coma. I have to prioritise and my health is important."
She continues, "I have not done any other reality show for the last two years. We actors have a very short life span and it's all about making hay when the sun shines.
"I'm not the first actor to be doing a reality show. There are so many actors who have participated in other comedy shows and dance reality shows. I have no idea why I am being singled out."
There were reports of her being unprofessional, but Giaa denies them.
"I have been associated with the show for three years now. There were no tantrums for the past three years, so why now?
"After Tulsi Virani, Parvati and Prerna, people think of Gopi bahu.
"I have done justice to the role and honoured my commitment."
She doesn't want to blame anyone for the fiasco, she says.
"This should not be a mudslinging fest. I just want to thank them for providing me with an opportunity of working on Saath Nibhana Saathiya that turned out to be such a hit.
"It is a little hard to accept that I will not be doing Saathiya now. I am still not able to get over it."
