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Game shows are losing their fizz. Star‘s Kaun Banega Crorepati‘s viewership has been slipping. Zee‘s Sawaal Dus Crore Ka came and went without a by your leave. Sony‘s Jeeto Chappar Phaad Ke is not living up to its promise. So where does that leave Sabe TV‘s Jab Khelo Sab Khelo?
The buzz is that host Shekhar Suman may not renew his contract with Sri Adhikari Brothers Entertainment Television Network Ltd (SABTNL) when it expires in the next two months. Should that happen, the show is likely to be given a burial.
Suman is believed to be concentrating more on movies this year. He has close to five movies planned. Two with Kundan Shah and one each with Kalpana Lajmi, Mani Iyer‘s Vipul Films, and David Dhawan.
SABTNL vice chairman Markand Adhikari denied any such moves were afoot. Said he in a telephonic interview: "Shekar Suman is the show. So far there are no plans to bring in any changes. It has proved highly beneficial to our channel. It was quite popular amongst viewers considering the million or so phone calls it was generating."
He added: "There is no truth to the statement that Shekhar Suman will be leaving the show. Call me tomorrow and we will talk."
Suman was not available for comment.
However, the grapevine is pretty strong that Suman, while keen on continuing with the show, may not find the time to give it the attention it needs on account of the film offers coming his way. According to a source, the show takes a lot out of him, his gift of the gab notwithstanding. He has to be constantly on the ball with repartees et all for the hour he is on the show and that is proving a little too much for him.
For more on this watch this space.
