An epic issue for Ekta

Following wife Gautami’s ‘exit’ from Kyunki…, Ram Kapoor turns down Ekta Kapoor’s Mahabharat

Are the loyalty of Balaji actors fading with time and their growing popularity? The question is raised, with due respect to Ekta Kapoor, after hearing that a third actor has refused to star in the her magnum opus, Kahaani Hamaaray Mahabharat Ki.

One of her blue-eyed boys, Ram Kapoor, has given the serial a veto. Couple of months back, it was Gautami Kapoor who had turned down a similar offer after her ‘exit’ from Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Gauri Pradhan, too, is in the list.

Ram confirms the story, “I was approached for Mahabharat but I am not doing it.”

When asked about the reason, he says, “I just want to do one project at a time. I am busy with Kasamh Se and it takes up a lot of my time. I want to focus on one role at a time so that I can give of my creative best.”

But isn’t it true that Ram essayed another character in Balaji’s Kyunki… even when Kasamh Se was going on in full swing.

“I did a character in Kyunki…, but that was just a cameo. For Mahabharat, it has to be a long commitment. I don’t have that much time,” he says.

Actors Hiten Tejwani and Ronit Roy, both Balaji stalwarts, are doing several shows and yet maintaining their popularity and performance standards. What’s his take on this? “That doesn’t mean I would have to do the same. I don’t intend to work in several projects at a time,” he adds.

Ram’s wife, Gautami was not even curious about her role in the magnum opus. She says, “I was approached for Mahabharat. I did not even ask what the character is all about.  I just turned down the offer.”

Aren’t they worried about antagonising Ekta? “This is a false impression of Ekta that people have. She is a gem of a person. When she took me in Kyunki, she agreed to all my conditions. I am sure, she would approach me whenever she has some good roles for me,” says Gautami.
m_ranjib@dnaindia.net