On August 25, the Bombay High Court directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to clear Ajey - The Untold Story Of A Yogi for release without any cuts, thus ending the makers’ month-long battle with the board that originally demanded 29 cuts. The ordeal, however, has left director Ravindra Gautam reconsidering a theatrical release of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s biopic. Instead, the director has initiated conversations with streamers for an OTT release.

When we get on a call with Gautam, he admits that the tussle -- which first saw the Examining Committee rejecting the film has taken a toll on him. “They rejected the film without even seeing it. The committee gave 30 cuts. Thirty cuts which were irrelevant. It is such a beautiful film that we have made. As a filmmaker, I feel it is my responsibility to make a neutral film. A film that does not spark any violence, caste violence, or anything like that. It is a very personal film, the journey of one person. That’s what I liked about it — the fact that only in India can a person born in a remote village, with no political background, no religious backing in the family, rise to become the Chief Minister of one of India’s most populous states. That’s a 360-degree turn that no one had dared to show."

Starring Anant V Joshi in the titular role, Ajey is said to be an adaptation of Shantanu Gupta’s book, The Monk Who Became Chief Minister, and charts Adityanath’s turn to spirituality and his eventual rise in politics. Probe Gautam on the 29 cuts that were handed out, and the director reveals that one of the scenes was set in the protagonist’s college.

“In the men’s restroom, obscene things about women were scribbled on the walls. Ajey goes inside to wipe off the writing. The board objected to this, saying that it would hurt women’s sentiments. But in storytelling, you need to show what is wrong in order to rectify it,” reasons the director.

Aside from the cuts, the CBFC had also asked the makers to obtain a No Objection certificate from Adityanath, an instruction that Gautam found unreasonable.

He says, “We had the book — The Monk Who Became Chief Minister. The producers had all the necessary legal clearances to make the film. Every legal aspect was taken care of. So I don’t know why or how they took this position. Their perspective was simply: 'The film is rejected because of these cuts'. They didn’t even say, 'Bring it back after the cuts'. They just said, 'Rejected'. It is evident from the High Court’s order. In the end, the judges themselves watched the film and ordered the CBFC to release it without any cuts."

Usually, one might cast a star, but the team clearly went for an actor when they brought Joshi on board to headline the film. "As a maker, I believe you should not cast a very well-known face. A star comes with an identity of his own, with baggage that overshadows the character. The producers also believed in this. They put money behind a newer face, someone without that strong pre-set identity. Of course, he has done a lot of work — ads, modelling and so on — but he doesn’t come with the baggage of being a film star or a television star. If it’s a TV star, the audience remembers the roles they’ve played. If it’s a film star, the audience sees the star’s persona. Here, we wanted a fresh face who could embody the role without baggage. Anant connected with the story. He is a very open-hearted, hardworking, and respectful person. I am so happy with him. In recent times, I haven’t seen this kind of passion. Even when we were about to shoot and he had just come out of a tough phase, he internalized the character deeply. You might not always see him on the surface working hard, but he puts in the work quietly, sincerely."

It’s very interesting to make a film on Yogi’s life. But it’s also challenging, because there’s so much public sentiment around him as a figure. How does the film navigate that? "I always feel I should be true to the story and the subject. Yes, there are a lot of sentiments involved, so we have to take care not to hurt them. I believe that if someone has risen to such heights, there must be something extraordinary in him — maybe character, maybe resilience. Hiding that would be wrong. Instead, we should highlight those qualities and make the film inspirational. At 22, when other boys were chasing girls, this man became a sanyasi. What happened in his life that led to that choice? That’s what interests me. My approach is emotional storytelling. Everything else about him is already on YouTube. What isn’t there — that’s what I want to bring to the audience."

A story like Ajey can glorify a figure who is polarising. While many in Uttar Pradesh view Adityanath as an inspirational leader, some minority communities don’t share the view. How does one walk that tightrope? "The view you’re expressing is largely a Bombay view. On the ground in UP, the minority community sees it differently. We researched this thoroughly while making the film. We visited many places and spoke to people from different communities, including minorities — and by minority I mean common people, not political voices. While shooting in Lucknow, Rishikesh and other places, we spoke to them, and surprisingly, the common man is happy with him. You might not believe it, but that’s what we found. The common man isn’t interested in political mudslinging or circuses; he’s interested in daily life. And in their day-to-day lives, across communities, they are happy with him. I’m not saying this just because I’ve made a film on him — we researched it. Any young woman — from any community — is happy because she can now walk alone at nine at night and return home safely. That matters. Even my driver, who belongs to a minority community, told me this. He said, 'We also call him Baba'. Back in 2008–09, when I went to shoot in UP, it was a nightmare. If we were on the road with a unit, shooting on live locations, you would not imagine the kind of filthy comments we were getting. But we had to shoot because the film demanded it. Cut to 2018, when I shot in Gorakhpur. All I needed was one permission from the District Magistrate, and we could shoot anywhere we wanted. Not a single person, not a single local gunda, not a single comment. Before going to UP, I had even told my unit — especially the girls — that they would have to be mindful of how they dressed, how they carried themselves. But while shooting in 2018, I was so relieved. We cannot become so volatile. That was a purely entertaining film, yet the goons still came and harassed them badly. It is very scary."

While he admits that biopics are demanding, actor Anant V Joshi is thrilled to play the lead role in the upcoming biopic on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Anant, who has been noticed for his roles in Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein (2022), 12th Fail (2023), and Maamla Legal Hai (2024), says, “I am eager to do different roles. I feel flattered to get this opportunity, especially since I am not an industry kid or a social media influencer. At a time when we talk about nepotism, outsiders like me getting such an opportunity makes me hopeful.”

The movie, titled Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi, is based on author-political analyst Shantanu Gupta’s book The Monk Who Became Chief Minister. It is directed by Ravindra Gautam, who is known for helming Maharani Season 2 (2022) and Ekkees Toppon Ki Salaami (2024). The film has been extensively shot in Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) and Lucknow.

Ask Anant about biopics connecting with the audience, and he says, “Any biopic made with honesty and integrity will work. It’s tough to make a film about a person in a powerful position who is loved by many. As an actor, it is a tightrope walk to work in a biopic; it can look like a caricature if you try to imitate someone.”

Despite being re-designated to a late night time slot of 10.30 pm following the furore that raged around its plot of a 10-year-old boy marrying an 18-year old girl, Pehredaar Piya Ki (PPK) is in the news again - but this time for being yanked off air abruptly! The television industry was abuzz, when the show did not air in the new time slot on August 28. The channel, on which it aired, released a statement, confirming the new development, “Effective from August 28, 2017, we are pulling off our programme, Pehredaar Piya Ki, from television. While we understand that the decision to end this serial will be disappointing to those whose creative energies are vested in it, namely, its crew and cast, we (as a channel) are convinced that we will be better served by focusing instead on developing viewer interest in our upcoming shows. We are grateful to all the artistes, producers and fans of our shows and request you to graciously support the viewership of our new ventures.“

It was learnt that the makers, Shashi and Sumeet Mittal, had stopped shooting the show since August 28. The decision to end the show was taken by the producers after the Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC) asked the channel to move the show from its 8.30 pm slot to the 10.30 pm slot. The timings were changed when an online petition demanding a ban on the show was forwarded to Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani, which she forwarded to the BCCC on August 16.

What was found objectionable about PPK's story is that it showed a marriage between a 10-year-old boy and an 18-yearold girl. According to reports, the petition had also listed out certain scenes as objectionable: A 10-year-old impressionable boy ('piyaa') was shown caressing and stalking a lady who's almost twice his age, and filling 'sindoor' in her 'maang'. It was telecast at prime time. Imagine the kind of influence it can have on the viewers' mindset. We want a ban on the serial. We do not want our kids to be influenced by such shows.“

However, Sumeet Mittal has always maintained that his show did not have any objectionable content. In an interview, before the show went off air, he said, “The show is about the hardships faced by a little boy. While we respect the decision taken by the BCCC, pushing the show to the 10.30 pm slot has forced us to discontinue. It defeats our purpose of airing the show for family audience at 8.30 pm. The audiences in smaller towns won't be up till 10.30 pm to watch our show.“

He had also dismissed reports of the show planning a time leap. “Without establishing the young boy's story, we did not want to take a time leap just to hold on to our viewers. We would rather return with a new concept and a brand new show and work with the same actors all over again,“ Sumeet added.

Despite the odds, the producers are not bitter about the show ending prematurely. However, they are saddened by how people termed it regressive without even watching it. Sumeet continues, “Our show was not really high on the rating ladder for it to become a topic of discussion for the entire nation. A section of internet users, who had not watched the show, started this massive debate and decided to write a petition asking for a ban. These people were not even our real viewers.“

In its one-month-10-day-run, PPK has only been in the centre of controversies. While social media was raging against it, there were criticisms within the television industry , too. One of the first to voice his displeasure was actor Karan Wahi.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief, Pahlaj Nihalani, has stirred up a hornet's nest by calling for censorship on television. He recently said that many TV shows, especially crime-based ones like Crime Patrol and Savdhaan India, are “crossing limits“ by showing the most gruesome and heinous crimes in graphic detail.

He added, “Why are filmmakers required to get a new censor certification for their films to be shown on television when the rest of the content made especially for television gets to go on air unchecked? This free flow of content in television must stop. It's affecting the natural psychological development of young minds. Parents are worried.“

Nihalani's statement has met with unanimous opposition from the television industry, which argues that there's already an effective mechanism of self-censorship in place. As actress Pooja Gor, who has also hosted a segment of Savdhaan India, observes, “For years now, TV content has been in tune with what is acceptable to family audiences. In fact, it's the only medium that is already producing filtered content because of its vast reach. And that's precisely why movies have to be certified before being telecast and not shows. As far as crime shows are concerned, the portrayal of incidents is very realistic. These gruesome and heinous crimes have happened in reality - women have been raped and brutal murders have happened. Restricting content on crime shows is not going to change reality. At least, the said shows are conveying a message of caution to the people.“

SELF-REGULATION: THE KEYWORD
TV producers, too, echo Pooja's opinion. Producer Yash Patnaik, who shot a 'kissing scene' between the lead couple of his show Jana Na Dil Se Door, says that while Nihalani is entitled to his opinion, he can't generalise the medium.

Yash adds, “We are a free country and the audience has every right to decide what they want to watch. The TV fraternity is extremely responsible when compared to other mediums. Both producers and broadcasters follow the SNP (Standard Norm Practice) diligently. We don't air foul language, nudity and violence the way other mediums do. Just as censorship is expected on what we show, there also needs to be restraint on what we talk on public forums. It's extremely irresponsible of anyone to generalise the medium and degrade it. Let's have some respect and dignity.“

Sudhir Sharma, who has produced shows like Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha and Baawre, adds, “There is already a lot of pressure on us. We are answerable to our broadcasters and viewers. If another body jumps in to dictate terms, that will be the end of creative freedom on television. We don't need more advice on how to make shows and which lines to not overstep.“

Now, the question arises that despite makers being conscious about the content they dish out on the small screen, is there a body regulating it? Every broadcaster has an SNP team keeping a close tab on the content airing on their respective channels. The makers are expected to adhere to the norms and regulations set by these teams. Director-turned-producer Ravindra Gautam, whose show Meri Durga is currently on air, informs, “TV content is monitored by the channel's SNP team, which makes sure that it adheres to all the self-regulatory content guidelines laid down by the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF). Any complaint regarding the content can be made to the Broadcast Content Complaint Council (BCCC).“

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH ON TV?
Ravindra says, “TV should get as bold as society. However, ironically, we are still in the 70s' saas-bahu zone. That's the reason the medium finds it difficult to resonate with the youth. That's also the reason why web series are attracting more youngsters. Bold doesn't just mean sex; it's also about the mindset. We live in an era when we are abhorred for showing a consummation scene after marriage. An actress fears such a scene could be the death knell for her career. In fact, TV needs to get bolder or it will seem regressive. We need to introspect why the youth is more hooked on to the internet and web series. That's because we don't explore unconventional content on TV. The government and the channels should be supportive.“

BOLD ONLY POST 10
Actor Ronit Roy, who has dabbled in both films and TV , says that he believes censorship begins at home. He says, “I don't know about other people's houses. but in my home, we guide our children on what to watch and what not to. Anyway, the bold shows, which have adult content, like Bigg Boss, are broadcast after that time. And in my opinion, it is right because children should be asleep by that time.“

In the past, there have been several instances of broadcasters being summoned by the BCCC for going bold. A representative of the channel is summoned by the body to address and answer viewers' complaints and queries regarding the content. Producer Vikas Gupta says, “I had shot a kiss between two members of the same sex, but the channel didn't approve of it. They were of the opinion that it might get into a legal wrangle and also hurt sentiments of the audience.“

He adds, “Yes, we do produce risqué content, but that's aired after 10 pm when kids are asleep. I wouldn't know why Mr Nihalani has made a statement like that, because we already have a strong censorship system in place. We are answerable to our broadcasters and there are strict rules in place. Unlike movies, where a Befikre can have several kisses but a James Bond film can't, the rules are uniform on television. Also, we run tickers when such shows are aired, so that people can share their opinion with us. TV doesn't need another body interfering with what we show. It doesn't need to be censored anymore than it already is.“

CRIME-BASED SHOWS ARE NOT JUST FOR ENTERTAINMENT
Nihalani's major grievance is with crime-based shows airing on TV currently. He said, “Television soaps, reality shows and crime shows are crossing all limits. Shows like Crime Patrol and Savdhaan India show the most gruesome and heinous crimes in graphic detail. Real-life people are named in the fictional recreation of crime stories. Women are raped in incestuous attacks, housewives and minor girls are shown to be violated. If the same content was shown in any film, we at the CBFC, would have to clamp down heavily on the content.“

Annup Sonii, who hosts Crime Patrol, rebukes this claim and says, “The medium follows certain thumb rules while making the content. I can vouch that the team of the show has never crossed the line. Even the graphic details are mostly symbolic. This is something that's happening around us. The motive behind recreating these incidents is to inform people that crime is not a solution. Ramayan mein agar Ravan nahi dikhaayenge toh Ram ki achhai ka kaise pata chalega? Also, censorship is equally vested in the hands of viewers, who, if offended by any content, can stop watching it. That will be signal enough for the broadcaster and the channel to pull up their socks and look into what they are dishing out. We are anyway adhering to strong censorship values and don't need another body intervening in our creativity.“

Sushant Singh, the host of Savdhaan India, adds, “I would like to say that the age of censorship is over. It's a lost battle.What next? Ban the internet? What we show on these shows is the harsh reality - minors getting raped, crimes being committed by close relatives... We can't turn a blind eye to something that's happening around us. Will clamping down the portrayal bring down these incidents? On the contrary, a number of victims have gathered courage to report about the injustice done to them due to the message that our show conveys. The only way to curb crime is by raising your voice and fighting back.“

NO NEED FOR FURTHER CENSORSHIP: SHABANA AZMI
In response to Nihalani's comment on censoring TV content, Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi, who is part of BCCC, says, “At present, there is a BCCC board that addresses the complaints made by the Information & Broadcasting Ministry and public. It has members from within the industry and fields of social science, including representatives from women's, minorities' and children's commissions headed by Justice Mudgal. I have been on board since its inception and know how it works well. It comprises a liberal and sensitive group of people and there has always been complete compliance from the con tent team whenever the BCCC has objected to something. The council has held interactive workshops with creative teams in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata to sensitise them and hear their compulsions. It works well and should continue. There is no need for further censorship.“

FILMS GIVEN MORE LEEWAY THAN TV
Actor Ram Kapoor, who generated quite a buzz following a kissing sequence with his co-actor Sakshi Tanwar on the TV show Bade Acche Laggte Hain five years ago, says, “I am baffled by this man's statement. What is he talking about? Doesn't he know that TV is censored anyway? I am currently doing a web series and I've never experienced this kind of creative freedom on TV. We ponder over everything multiple times before airing it on the small screen because it's viewed by families. It's morally right to restrict the content on TV and channels are aware of the norms that they need to follow. If there is any decline in the viewership owing to offensive content, it would mean decreased ratings and no channel would want that. Forget risqué content, a kiss between Sakshi and me created such an uproar; that should be enough for Nihalani to know that TV follows stringent guidelines. We can't afford to hurt people.“

Just when the alleged molestation of a South actress opened a can of worms on the way women in showbiz are often treated disrespectfully, another actress, Varalaxmi Sarath Kumar found herself being propositioned by the programming head of a television chan nel last Saturday. BT spoke to a spectrum of people from the industry about the issue, which is known, but always brushed under the carpet.

'It's heartbreaking when a person you idolise comes up with an indecent proposal'
“The industry might seem glossy, but it is ugly from with in. Casting couch is a harsh reality. On the face of it, they talk about talent, craft and art, but who really wants talented people here? During my struggling days, I used to get depressed when I went through this. Even today, I don't know how to get work. It's a struggle every day. It's heartbreaking when a person you look up to or idolise comes up with such indecent proposals.“
- Sana Khaan, Actress

'I've heard horror stories even in arty circuit'
I've been lucky to have worked with international filmmakers and National Award winning directors, who are sincere about their work. I never worked in a commercial set-up per se so I never encountered this situation directly. But, indirectly, there is a lot of pressure. I've overheard people saying, 'Yeh toh outdoor mein degi nahi toh isko leke kya fayda? Yeh toh shoot ke baad apne room mein jaake so jayegi.' Way back, a TV actor-producer called me up and said he wants to meet. I met him assuming it was to discuss our show. He said, “You have to romance me onscreen, so off screen, chemistry toh badhani padegi.“ I walked out and I've never returned his calls. You have to take a stand. I've heard horror stories even in the arty circuit.
- Tannishtha Chatterjee, Actress


'If you do it once, you will be expected to do it again'
Sadly, casting couch exists but you don't have to fall in that trap to have a career. I don't mean to be judgemental but once you take that path, you have to live with the choice. I believe that you can survive in the film industry without succumbing to it. You just need to be patient. I am a living testament of that. It happened to me once, this filmmaker made a pass at me. I walked out and never saw him again. The star kids how ever, are much protect ed as almost everyone in the industry is their uncle, mama or chacha. As far as dealing with these creeps is concerned, they should be unmasked, shamed and boycotted if this needs to stop.
- Richa Chadha, Actress

'It's difficult to eliminate a one-to one meeting in any profession'
I've heard horror stories about casting couches. I know and I can vouch for the fact that it exists though I have neither experienced it first hand. It's an open secret. Sexual favours are asked from both genders and in every walk of life. It's an individualistic thing whether you want to do that or not, and whether you are in a position to say no. It's a debatable issue. It's very difficult in any profession to eliminate a one-to-one meeting, right? So what happens between two people also cannot be completely sanitised in that sense. At large we may not have a solution to this problem, but we can first set our priorities right at an individual level. That alone will make a huge difference.
- Abhinay Deo, Director


'People don't speak out as it could affect their career'
Somehow, it has never happened to me. My father, and now that I am married, my husband always accompany me whenever I go for a recording or a tour. But yes, I have heard from my peers that the casting couch does exist. Sometimes, people are too scared to talk about it lest it jeopardises their career. But it does happen.
- Harshdeep Kaur, Singer

'It's a business proposal bereft of love'
It's a murky space as we're dealing with good looking people who are ambitious. What is a casting couch? It's a business proposal bereft of any love or emotion. One is asked to sleep and get the assignment. The filmmakers I have assisted have never done this. There are people who do it and it's wrong. But there's another side to it. I don't think sleeping around is a recipe for success. We can't do anything about this menace where boys and girls are exploited. There's a flip side here also. I've heard of good-looking youngsters who have used their charm cards to make their way ahead. What do you do about that? It's difficult to snip this area out of any industry today. I can just say between a man and a woman, it's love that has become a rarity .
- Vikram Bhatt, Director-writer


'Ex-girlfriend was thrown out of a film for resisting'
I've personally never been through anything as all my work is taken care by my manager.But my ex-girl-friend did. She was told to go to Lonavala over the week end for a 'script reading' with a certain director, which she politely refused. She was thrown out of the film due to reasons best known to the team.
- Sahil Salathia, TV actor


'It's a bigger problem for boys today'
“Some actors approach me and give indirect hints, but I reject them. They should have faith that there is new breed of film makers who prefer going the clean way. I think the casting couch is a bigger problem for boys today.
- Ravindra Gautam, TV producer

'Stories of exploitation in are more spoken about the glamour industry'
There are grey areas that exist, not just in the glamour business but in every other business. Even cops complain about powerful pervert seniors who're mentally sick to ask sexual favours when one merits a promotion or a pay hike. Exploitation stories are more spoken about in glamour industry for obvious reasons. That's why after so many years in the business, I decided to take the digital route for casting and streamlining the process of scouting talent in numerous departments like art direction, direction, production...the works. There are hundreds of illegitimate casting agents, who by flashing photos with actors dupe youngsters. They promise them work for money, sexual favours or both. Those who fall prey to it are the ones who can't figure another route to pursue their dreams. We first need to educate them about the stream of work they plan to jump into. We have to stop them from shooting wrong or suggestive portfolios that give a wrong impression. If we can success fully do that, stories of casting couches will automatically reduce.
- Suniel Shetty, Actor who runs a digital casting agency


'I've been in uncomfortable situations'
I've heard from a couple of my model friends about how they've been propositioned for work. I've been in a couple of uncomfortable situations where I felt the need to leave a meeting. I leave if I feel that the statements being made aren't related to the film that is being narrated to me, or the project that I am discussing.
­ - Amyra Dastur, Actress

'I faced it seven years ago'
“I have found myself in this sticky situation seven years ago. A coordinator asked me how I would respond in three situations: 'Will I work smart or hard?', 'How would I react if I was propositioned by an older woman?', and 'What would happen if a man touched me?'. He got a little touchy feely with me while asking the last question. I was shocked and furious. He told me of actors who relented and are successful today.“
- Karan Tacker, TV actor

'No one can guarantee a role in exchange of favours'
A few actresses have shared their horror stories with me. My advice to them was that predators prey on the weak and vulnerable. Besides, filmmaking is an expensive affair and involves many heads to confirm the cast. No one can guarantee you a role in exchange of favours. Unless you suit the part and are a good actor, nobody will give the role to you. Period.
- Shahid Hassan, Casting director

Legal point-of-view
Those subjected to casting couch should come forward and say what has happened so the accused can be exposed and booked and it can be deterrent for others. Often, women don't come forward as they feel it's a lost battle as they are bringing up charge that's so big and that the accused may get away as he is powerful. Currently, the law will take cognizance only with evidence. Here everything happens in the closed four walls of an office ­ so no one knows the allurement, offer made etc. It's tougher because what happens under such circumstances may not be evidence, though there is scope for presumption, which also can't be ignored. It should be a collective effort by the film industry to ensure this does not happen. There must also be a body to support these victims as in most cases, it's a lonely battle for them as they are up against big names.
- Kranti Sathe, Lawyer

NO SMOKING, NO NON-VEG
The 'no smoking' rule applies to the sets of many TV shows, since the sets are made of wood and there's always the chance that they could catch fire if someone throws a cigarette. So me producers want non-vegetarian food and cigarettes as far away from the sets as possible. Himanshu Soni, currently seen in Neeli Chhatri Waale, says, “Our producer has a rule that nobody can bring or order non-veg food. The rule book says anybody caught eating non-veg food has to pay a fine of  Rs 200. There was an artiste on the show who had brought non-veg food and ended up paying the fine. We also asked him to give us a party and order veg food for us. I am a vegetarian, so I don't face such issues, but non-vegetarians sometimes get hassled. Perhaps some of the actors have their food in their vanity vans.“ The same rule applies to the sets of shows like Diya Aur Baati Hum, Ek Rishta Aisa Bhi (which went off air on February 13) and Mere Rang Mein Rangne Waali.

KEEP YOUR PHONE ON SILENT
It's really irritating when a phone rings in the middle of an important meeting, right? It turns out, directors feel the same way if something like that happens while they are shooting a dramatic scene. Ravindra Gautam, who is currently directing the upcoming show Begusarai, says, “I have this rule on my new show that nobody's phone should ring while the scene is being filmed. If it does happen, the person is supposed to pay a fine of  Rs 500. If the phone rings loudly, it disturbs everyone and sometimes, if we are shooting an intense scene, it ends up disrupting the entire mood. So, I have created this rule. In fact, even I have ended up paying the fine a couple of times! When I was directing Madhubala ­ Ek Ishq Ek Junoon, I remember Vivian Dsena and Drashti Dhami also had to pay fines because their phones would ring during the shoot. It's because of this rule that actors and other crew members have started keeping their phones on silent mode or leaving their phones with someone.“

It seems that this rule is applicable on the sets of other shows as well, including Humsafars, which went off air on February 20. Payal Rohatgi, who is a part of Humsafars, says, “I am very particular about keeping my phone on silent, but once it happened that my phone rang loudly, while a shot was being taken. It so happened that Sangram (her beau) had said that he would call me in five minutes and during that time, when I was waiting for his call, I forgot to keep the phone on silent mode. It rang in the middle of a shot and I was quite embarrassed. I treated the entire unit, which comprises 120 members, to ice creams. The place where we shoot is near an ice cream factory, and there's nothing else available.“

JUMPED TO A CONCLUSION? PAY UP!
We're all guilty of leaping to conclusions and later trying to get out of them with the excuse, 'I felt like it was the right thing'. But what if there was a fine on jumping to conclusions? Something similar exists on the sets of Mere Rang Mein Rangne Waali.Samridh Bawa, who plays LD on the show, says, “On the sets, our director has created this rule that no one is allowed to say 'Sir, mujhe aisa laga' ya `maine aisa socha'. If we utter this phrase, we have to pay a fine of `10. Our director says, `If you have any doubts, come and clear them. Don't assume things'. In fact, I have already deposited `100 with my director, because I have a habit of saying these words.Pranali (Ghogare, his co-star in the show), has already paid Rs 150 for the same. This rule even applies to our director, who has to pay `50 if he utters these words. He has paid the fine a couple of times. We have a box kept on the sets and the fines are stored in it. Jab bahut saara jama ho jaayega, we will have a huge party with that money.“