Celebrated writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar is a little surprised at his long-time friend and singer Ila Arun's resentment - all over a show.

Akhtar, a judge on popular talent hunt "Fame Gurukul", has a running feud with the "Gurukul headmistress" Ila Arun, but this time their row is a bit more serious, or so believe those following the show.

"Our so-called feud has been blown out of proportion. Ila Arun was upset because one of the Gurukul contestants, Shamit, was voted out," told Akhtar.

"But judges aren't responsible for a contestant being ousted! Shamit was voted out by his fellow contestants. Ila's anger and angst should've been projected at Shamit's colleagues, not at the judges!"

Akhtar reminded that he knew Ila Arun for a long time, through his wife Shabana Azmi, and shared a very warm relationship with her. However, he felt the occasional disagreements in the show had to be in the realm of civility.

"I must admit we judges on 'Fame Gurukul' conduct ourselves with a lot of dignity. There is no misbehaviour.

"I guess the occasional arguments, differences of opinion and opposed viewpoints do add to the excitement. But all this should be done within the realm of civility...

"I must admit that 'Fame Gurukul' will give the Hindi film industry some good singers who'll definitely be absorbed in playback singing. We've a couple of very talented singers."

"Fame Gurukul", based on a Spanish reality show, features 14 contestants from across India who are kept on 24-hour vigil for 14 weeks in the "gurukul" or "learning centre". At the end of the show, two winners will win a contract with Sony Entertainment Television worth Rs.10 million.

Emotions run high every time the contestants are voted out by judges and viewers, and many a time the judges clash openly with the Gurukul headmistress (Arun) and teachers over decisions. The elimination of Shamit, a particularly talented singer, sparked very strong reactions.

Akhtar said: "Yes, I quite understand Ila being upset on Shamit's behalf since he sings very well. And, yes, it was unfortunate that this happened. But at the same time you can't admonish people for voting for or against a contestant, because you've given them the right to do so.

"If the arrangement doesn't suit you then please take away the right from viewers. Don't take it out on the judges... I've known Ila for years and years. We share a very warm relationship."

Akhtar said Ila Arun's daughter, who got married recently, was an ardent fan of his poetry. "One of the walls in her house is filled with my poetry."

According to him, "Fame Gurukul" would give its contestants a head start in their singing career.

As for the tiffs and face-offs in the show, Akhtar said it was part of the game.

"Where do I find the time to do TV? Recording for 'Fame Gurukul' takes just one-and-a-half days - Thursdays and Monday evenings, that's it. And the money paid to the judges is very good. Why else would anyone want to give so much time and attention? As a matter of fact, television has become very lucrative these days."