The behind-the-scene drama of TV reality show Swayamvar surpasses the tamasha that we might eventually see on the screen when the new season goes live.
Apparently the show's producers are so keen to have Veena Malik in the next season that they've hiked her fee to Rs 3 crore and have agreed to change the show's format completely to suit the actress' 'global' image.
In return, the channel has apparently laid down one pre-condition. Veena would have to 'disown' her rumoured boyfriend Ashmit Patel.
Says a source, "Veena is in two minds about the show, as she doesn't agree with the concept of seeking a bridegroom on television.
However the channel agreed to shortlist the hopeful grooms according to her suitability.
After desi boys for Rakhi Sawant and Ratan Rajput, the candidates at Veena Malik's swayamvar will be from all across the world.
The contestants would be from countries like Brazil, the Middle East and Britain."
Speaking about her fee hike, the source adds, "They first offered her R 1 crore which she simply pooh-poohed. Despite doubling the amount, she was still awkward about selecting a groom on camera. Now they're willing to pay her R 3 crore."
The source also talks about the channel's pre-condition, "Veena and Ashmit are in a serious relationship. This situation will not work for Swayamvar.
They've asked her to distance herself from Ashmit. While Ashmit sends her homemade food every day for lunch and dinner, she cannot pretend Ashmit is 'just a friend'. She refuses to live a lie just to be on the show."
One option being offered is to bring Ashmit on the show as a prospective groom. But that kills the entire suspense.
If the Pakistani actress ultimately agrees to do the show, the proceedings would be quite interesting to watch. Veena refrained from commenting further, instead saying, "It's all in the discussion stage."
