A slapstick tragedy

KAVITA SHYAM / TNN / Aug 31, 2007, 00:00 IST

Text Size

Small
Medium
Large

Seema Pandey, who plays a key role in Meri Doli Tere Angana, slapped the assistant director on the sets. He slapped her back

Seema Pandey, who plays a key role in Meri Doli Tere Angana, slapped the assistant director on the sets. He slapped her back The pressures and stress in the TV industry are beginning to show. There was a slapping match on the sets of Meri Doli Tere Angana recently. Seema Pandey, aka Sandhya chachi in the show, had a heated argument with the assistant director (Manish Arora ) over a trivial matter. The actress was so angry with the AD that she slapped him hard -- in front of the entire unit. But not willing to take it lying down, Manish slapped her back in a rage.As a result, the shooting had to be stalled. The argument got so ugly that the producer Rahul Bhatt had to intervene. He tried to convince Manish to apologise to her. But Manish refused to do so. However, Seema refused to emerge from her make up room, saying she wouldn't shoot with Manish around. Eventually, Manish had little choice but to walk out of the show.
Seema and Manish got into an argument because the other actors in the show were allowed to leave early in the day, while Seema had to continue till late in the night. When contacted, Manish said, "We were shooting for a death sequence and all the artists (17 of them) had to leave early because of prior commitments. Since Seema had the time to stay back, we kept her shot for the last. She got upset when she saw others finishing and leaving early. She started shouting and telling me I didn’t know my job. Then, out of the blue, she just slapped me hard. I reacted, and slapped her back. Rahul called me and was adamant that I apologise to her, but why should I apologise when I am not at fault. I have walked out of the show in protest.”When contacted, Seema said, "I am not interested in discussing the matter. I do not want to get into it anymore."
Kajal Shah, the creative director who was present there, confirmed the news, saying, "Yes, there was a problem on the set. We tried sorting it out with the help of the producer. None of them was willing to apologise. Manish has left the show because of her."
Says the producer, Rahul, "After the incident, I called a meeting. I asked both of them to apologise and finish off the matter. I gave two options to Manish -- either to apologise or to quit the show." Evidently, Manish preferred to quit.

Explore the yearly horoscope 2025 for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces zodiac signs. Spread love this holiday season with these New Year wishes, messages and quotes.