Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; June 16, 2014)

Earlier this month, hitlist had reported that the producers of Amitabh Bachchan’s show, Yudh, had issued a gag order to its cast and crew in order to keep details about the show under wraps. But it seems that despite strict instructions to remain tightlipped about the show, some artistes spoke to the media. When Endemol got word about this, the production house apparently told the casting director to fire those artistes.

But fortunately for these names, series director Anurag Kashyap has stepped in and apparently requested them to reconsider their decision.

Says a source, “ Zakir Hussain and Ayesha Raza broke the rules mentioned in the contract; apparently, they gave quotes to a journalist. Endemol wanted to replace them due to this violation but Anurag called the production house and requested them to not let these actors go.”

Anurag was not available for comment, ditto for actor Zakir Hussain and actress Ayesha Raza, who is also a part of Zoya Akhtar’s film, Dil Dhadakne Do.

But a friend of Zakir Hussain says, “He is still in an NDA ( non disclosure agreement) with Endemol, so he can’t say talk about anything related to the show.” The production head of Endemol also remained unavailable for comment.