Balaji to take STAR to court over Kyunki...

Reportedly, the differences are over the show’s termination

It seems that Balaji Telefilms Ltd (BTL) and the STAR TV Group have got into the habit of being at loggerheads with each other.

Not long ago, both parties had announced the termination of their joint march into the regional general entertainment space. Reportedly, they had willingly agreed to “terminate the agreements entered into between them, inter se, dated August 18, 2004, in the manner specified in the Agreement”.

Now, the STAR TV Group has announced the termination of the contract for BTL’s show, Kyunki… Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, on STAR Plus, with effect from November 10. BTL, on its part, feels that the move amounts to a breach of the contract agreed upon by the two parties.

Being a listed company, BTL has informed the Bombay Stock Exchange that it is taking the legal route to get an appropriate hearing for resolving the issue with the STAR TV Group.

Speaking to afaqs!, R Karthik, chief executive officer, BTL, says, "We have to protect our interests, and as per our understanding, technically, the contract has still not come to an end. We have taken the appropriate action at our end by approaching the judiciary and by informing the Bombay Stock Exchange of our move to approach the court to settle the matter."

A senior executive at STAR India, on condition of anonymity, revealed that there are some differences between the two parties over the announcement.

However, both parties refused to divulge specifics of the terms and conditions of the agreement relating to Kyunki… Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.

Informed sources at STAR India point out that none of BTL’s other programmes airing on STAR Plus will be affected by this development. The slot left vacant by the termination of the BTL show, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki, will be filled by a new show from BTL.

For the record, BTL has several shows airing on STAR Plus, including Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil, Kayamath, Karam Apna Apna and Kasturi.