Two TV producers in a spat with their video editors

A still from television soap, Sasural Simar Ka

The indefinite strike launched by the Association of Film and TV Editors yesterday has put producers of daily soaps in a spot of bother. And if sources are to be believed, makers of two television shows had a spat with their editors when they refused to work, citing the stir.

Also read: TV and film editors to launch indefinite strike

A still from television soap, 'Sasural Simar Ka'

"On Tuesday night, video editors, Sanjay Singh and Dhananjay, who work on 'Sasural Simar Ka' and 'Saath Nibhana Saathiya' respectively, explained to producer Rashmi Sharma that they wouldn't be able to render their services until the strike ends. However, she threatened to sack them," says a source.

Raj Surve, president of the protesting association, alleges that Sharma verbally abused the two workers and did not allow them to leave her office. "But, members of our association freed them from captivity," he adds.

Sharma, however, denied the allegations. "There is no question of abusing or threatening anyone. We work as a family," she said and refrained from answering how the strike will affect her shows' schedule.

JD Majethia, co-chairman of Indian Film and TV Producers Council, says, "If video editors don't work, then we will have to somehow manage our work and try to get editors from wherever it is possible. Besides, from what we have heard, not all editors have gone on strike; only some of them, especially assistant editors, are supporting it."

Reacting to Majethia's statement, Surve says, "If they source editors from outside the association, we will decide our next course of action. All shows will be affected."