Ekta's refusal to promote Shahid film a rumour

New Delhi: It is false to say Ekta Kapoor scuttled efforts of actor Shahid Kapoor to feature his film Mausam for promotion on her popular TV show Bade Achche Lagte Hain, says a source close to the TV tsarina.

"Ekta absolutely adores Shahid and has approached him to star in the sequel of Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai. They are currently working out his role in the film, and there is no truth to these rumours. Ekta is very upset about it," said the source.

Incidentally, the trailer of Ekta's next production The Dirty Picture, featuring Vidya Balan in the lead, was integrated with the show in Thursday's episode.

Media reports indicated that Vidya, who was rumoured to have dated Shahid briefly, asked Ekta not to feature Shahid's forthcoming film Mausam in her TV show for promotional purpose.

But a source from Ekta's production house Balaji has denied that as well.

"Vidya is non-political and is a thorough professional and doesn't involve herself in matters of casting or other aspects of production," said the source from Balaji.

"It's Balaji's policy to not integrate the show'Bade Achche... with films. However, an exception was made for The Dirty Picture since the movie belongs to the parent company and will be the only movie promoted on the show."

"Ekta is very focused as a producer and is very concerned with the film. There were several films that approached Balaji apart from Mausam, so we fail to understand why only Mausam is being talked about," added the source.