Indo-Pak reality show sold?
Sur Kshetra may air on other channel after conflict between producer and original broadcaster.
Sur Kshetra, a singing reality show that pits Indian singers against Pakistani crooners, has apparently switched channels. The show, produced by Gajendra Singh, was originally meant to go on air on a Hindi general entertainment channel called Sahara One. But now, it’s said that the show will be telecast on Star Plus in the weekend slot currently taken up by Survivor India.
The on-ground auditions for Sur Kshetra were conducted at Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Indore, Lucknow and Ludhiana in India, and at Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad in Pakistan.
Singer-composer-actor Himesh Reshammiya, the captain of the Indian side, auditioned talent in three of the above-mentioned Indian cities including Mumbai. And Pakistani pop star Atif Aslam auditioned singers in all the Pakistani cities.
A chunk of the gala rounds were shot during mid-January in Dubai with judges — singers Abida Parveen, Asha Bhosle and other rotating judges. The cast and crew returned towards the end of January after the first schedule. The show was supposed to be aired on Sahara One at the end of Janaury and was further pushed to mid-February.
On Tuesday night, the show is believed to have switched channels following a difference in opinion and interests between Sahara One officials and the producer, famous for a slew of musical reality shows.
Our sources insist that talks have been on for a while and have been moving smoothly for the producer and Star Plus, and the deal is likely to be signed within this week.
When asked, Boney Kapoor, director, Sahara One, wasn’t willing to comment. And Nitin Vaidya, business head, Star Network’s Hindi channels, says, “It’s too early to comment on the matter.”
Get more updates from Bollywood, Hollywood, Music and Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times.