The Film and Television Producers Guild of India, a leading body of film makers, has banned actor Shakti Kapoor for casting ''slanderous, mischievous and unsubstantiated aspersions'' on some film personalities during a sting operation by a television channel regarding alleged sexual favours sought by him from a reporter posing as an aspiring actress.

A statement issued by the Guild's Secretary-General Supran Sen asked Shakti Kapoor to publicly apologise for his ''completely irresponsible, insulting and slanderous utterances'' while advising its members against engaging the actor in any of their productions.

He said the guild's decision to ban Shakti was unanimous. The guild has further said that its members are eminent and respected producers who had never indulged in any act imputed to them in the said telecast.

The statement said that its members representing the entertainment industry had always stood for the highest morals, ethical and professional values and had been the ''fountainhead of growth'' of this vibrant industry.

Meanwhile, actress Preity Zinta says that she was very upset with such a statement made in poor taste by a person who has no respect for anyone. ''Although I am a part of this industry, it is sad that people like Shakti Kapoor are in the same industry. He is like a dirty fish which spoils the whole pond.'' Preity is in Australia for shooting of Yash Raj Films' ''Salaam Namaste.''