Kher breached the contract, counters Zee

December 19: Zee TV today squarely blamed actor Anupam Kher, the host of the its quiz show Sawaal Dus Crore Ka, as the one who breached the contract by speaking to the media and said it was justified in removing him from the show. The Bombay High Court has adjourned to tommorrow an ad-interim plea by Kher seeking a direction to restrain the Zee from discontinuing the show without him as host. Kher has challenged the notice of December 9, served on him by Zee, informing him of its decision to discontinue his services.

Zee8217;s counsel V Tulzapurkar contended that Kher had himself committed breach of contract by speaking to the media including saying he was not interested in the show. He said Kher8217;s performance was not up to the mark and he could not compel Zee to retain him. He added that Kher could claim for his work in 60 episodes as stipulated in the contract that too if he wins in the arbitration proceedings which is included in the clause.

However, Kher stoutly denied telling the press that he was disinterested in the show. He said the agreement was still valid. His counsel Janak Dwarkadas contended that Zee could not terminate his services without giving him 60 days notice which was one of the conditions of the contract entered into between them on October 13.