Abhinav Shukla, one of the most popular actors working on the small screen, was last seen in Sphere Origins’ successful show Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka which ran on Colors. The actor received positive response for portraying the negative character of Rajdeep Thakur with panache. However, the audience was in for a shock when his character was terminated from the show midway without any logical ending.
It has been over a year since Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka beamed its final episode in 2018. However, Abhinav Shukla is yet to receive payment for his work. Reportedly, his contract had it mentioned clearly that in case his character gets an axe, he would be given a month’s notice period. However, Shukla was shocked beyond belief when he received an email on 27th October 2018 from the production house, terminating his agreement with the daily soap with immediate effect.
Now, Abhinav Shukla has dragged the makers of Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka to court. Confirming the development, his lawyer Suvigya Vidyarthi told a leading publication, “Besides many other issues, including misinforming and misleading the channel that Abhinav was not available for the shoot, thereby compelling them to cast another actor as his replacement, the production house has even breached the contract by going against the clause under which Abhinav had to be compulsorily given a termination notice of a month in advance about his exit. He worked during the month of October, for which he hasn’t been paid. He hasn’t got his dues for the month of November as well, as stipulated in the contract.”
The lawyer went on to add, “He even approached the channel and Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA) and a meeting was held between CINTAA and Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC) representing the two parties. However, the solution provided in the meeting wasn’t respected by the production house. Left with no other option, he moved to criminal court for registration of an FIR for the offences of cheating, fraud and extortion. The next hearing is in February.”
Besides Abhinav Shukla, Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka also starred Drishti Dhami, Aditi Sharma and Shakti Arora in lead roles.