The year 2018 was a significant one for the TV industry in many ways. We saw the growing influence of social media on viewership and stars' popularity. It was also the year when the National Human Rights Commission stepped in to address issues faced by actors. The biggest controversy in the first half was surely the one involving Papon and a minor reality show contestant, which led to the singer getting immense flak on social media. Kapil Sharma had a breakdown on Twitter as he hurled the choicest expletives at a newspaper scribe for allegedly running an orchestrated campaign to defame him. Here is a look at the biggest controversies of the year in Indian TV...
Pranav Misshra and Jyoti Sharma's charge against Aisi Deewangi producers
The lead actors of the show Aisi Deewangi Dekhi Nahin Kahin filed a complaint against producers Aastha Naad and Jatin Sethi for making them work in inhuman conditions. They alleged that prolonged long hours with no holidays had badly affected their health. CINTAA supported them. Jyoti also wrote to the Maharashtra Chief Secretary and Mumbai Police Commissioner. The biggest development was that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) stepped in to find out about the irregularities. On the other hand, producers alleged that the actors were blackmailing them and their non-cooperation led to the abrupt closure of the show and loss of employment for crew members.
Papon kissing a minor child
In February, a video surfaced on Facebook where singer Papon was seen kissing a minor child on the sets of a reality show. A Supreme Court advocate Runa Bhuyan filed a case against the singer under the POCSO Act. Child right groups at national and state level demanded an explanation from him. Papon, in a lengthy Facebook post said that his intentions weren't wrong and the camera angle misinterpreted his actions. Finally, the minor contestant came out in the open saying that his touch did not make her uncomfortable and he was like a father figure. She said he kissed her like he would kiss his own child.
Reena Aggarwal
The actress had to get stitches after she got bitten by a dog on the sets of Kya Haal Mr Panchaal in April. It also led to her exit on the show. In November, she said that the producers Optimystix did not give her full compensation amount and wanted to settle for a lakh. She said they offered her a role in their new show despite making it clear to her that they weren't much impressed with her performance in Kya Haal Mr Panchaal. The matter is still unresolved.
Kapil Sharma's spat with a newspaper scribe
In May, Kapil Sharma entered into a spat on Twitter with the editor of an entertainment portal. He alleged that the website tarnished his reputation by publishing defamatory articles. He also said that they were instigated by his former managers. The matter reached a crescendo when Kapil abused the scribe on a phone call, the audio tape of which went viral in the media. The comedian slapped a Rs 100 crore defamation suit against the media firm and asked for money to be deposited in National Defence Fund.
Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka
The show made the maximum noise amongst all the newly launched shows due to its bold content. Drashti Dhami played the part of a woman who falls in love with her bestie's husband after coming out of an abusive marriage. People hated the idea of having an extramarital affair as the main plot of a daily show. Shakti Arora and Drashti got trolled online for their 'lusty' roles. After shifting it to the late night slot, it was moved to the digital platform of Voot. However, the good viewership on Voot and steady demand from loyal fans ensured a comeback on TV. Sadly, Drashti quit the show after a leap as she did not want to play the role of a mother.
Alok Nath in the #MeToo firestorm
TV actor Alok Nath found himself in the centre of the #MeToo scandal when Vinta Nanda in a Facebook post wrote about how she was sexually violated by a sanskari actor who spiked her drinks after a party. She alleged that his torture did not stop after one incident and he compelled her to quit shows. After Vinta's heart-wrenching post went viral, Sandhya Mridul also spoke about how Alok Nath allegedly sexually harassed her on a film shoot. Another crew member from Hum Saath Saath Hain also came out in the open. Nath has been expelled from CINTAA after these incidents were reported.
Surbhi Chandna
Fans of Ishqbaaaz could not bear the fact that the new season would not have Surbhi who won hearts as the spunky Anika. They flooded Twitter slamming the makers and channel for their decision. If this was not all, some even put up placards in the streets of Mumbai with #NoSurbhiNoIshqbaaaz written on them. The actress is seen on Kanpur Wale Khurana's now.
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