by Subhash K Jha

Ekta Kapoor is saddened by Star's decision to blacklist Iqbal Khan from Star. But she says there's no choice. Neither does the channel.

Says Ekta, "Please let me clarify I've not asked Star to drop Iqbal. I got to know of this only last night. I love Iqbal. He's a terrific guy. But there's an official policy in all dealings between my company Balajee Telefilms and Star.

According to that policy it would be tough if not impossible for Iqbal to work with me if he decides to leave a Star-Balajee show. It's a very common policy in a lot of business places including airlines. This is done to retain an exclusive hold over human talent."

Personally Ekta says she has no issues about working with Iqbal. "I'd never harm Iqbal's career. But I hear that our lawyers let Star TV know of this policy.

Because when the policy was decided there were different people at the helm at Star (Samir Nair,etc). If out of fondness for Iqbal we make an exception to the policy what happens to the other actors who are caught in a similar situation?"

On being informed of this new decision to blacklist him, Iqbal is shocked. "I don't know what to say. It's now up to the software company that's producing my first post-Balajee serial to decide on the future course of action. If they want me to leave the show, I will. But I'm a firm believer in God. And I'll continue doing my work."