Neha Maheshwri Bhagat (BOMBAY TIMES; April 28, 2014)

Paridhi Sharma, who plays the title role in Jodha Akbar, almost quit the TV show a few weeks ago over differences with her director Santram Verma. The actress revoked her decision after the production house stopped the director from shooting her scenes. Paridhi says, “Santram tortured me mentally. He used to make me wait for hours on the set and then do retakes even when not required. He even spread rumours about me. The ordeal lasted for a year.” Adds a source, “There were many who felt that Santram was rude to Paridhi and a few other members of the cast. He used to humiliate and insult them. He would even shoot with dupes so that the actors suffered financially.”

 Santram, on the other hand, refutes the allegations. “I have never insulted anyone. Is it wrong to ask for a retake if I feel that a shot wasn’t up to mark? We are all working towards making the show a success. Regarding dupes, it’s not mine but the scheduler’s job check the availability of actors. If an actor is not available, we use dupes,” he says. Being producer Ekta Kapoor’s favourite director, he was also accused of misusing his clout. “Not at all. I have done my job and if people are complaining of making them wait, the company has a record of everything. I have worked with several senior actors without any problem. In fact, other actors of the same show have no issues with me,” he explains.

 So, is he off the show completely? “No, I just don’t shoot Jodha’s scenes. Everything else is being directed by me. But if there is an important scene involving Jodha I will shoot that,” he says.