No dating clause: TV actors sign contracts promising they’ll stay single

The television industry reacts to a no-dating clause signed by actors Vatsal Seth and Ishita Dutta for their upcoming show.

Actors Vatsal Seth and Ishita Dutta signed a no-dating policy recently for their show Rishton Ka Saudagar – Baazigar, which seemed to have created quite a stir in the industry. While some actors feel that this is a necessary step, others feel that it’s an invasion of privacy.

Actors Vatsal Seth and Ishita Dutta have been made to sign a no-dating clause for their upcoming show.

Actor Shashank Vyas says that as long as a show does well, dating a co-actor should not matter.

Shashank Vyas: Actor Shashank Vyas says that this should not matter as long as the actors are performing. “It is very surprising. If an on-screen pair is a hit and they are also dating and the show continues to do well, how does it matter? It is an artist’s job to do his or her work. What actors do in their personal life is no one’s business, other than their parents. It is a business, not a boarding school!” he says.

Actor Shivin Narang says that it’s important to draw a line between your work and personal life.

Shivin Narang: Actor Shivin Narang says actors should keep their personal and professional lives separate. “As actors it’s our responsibility not to mix our personal life with our work, especially on the sets . I believe the reason for this clause is to avoid delays and fights on the sets. As actors, we have to be responsible . But all said and done, it’s a funny clause. Personally, I don’t support it. Love and relationships are beyond contracts,” he says.

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Actor Ssharad Malhotraa says that you can’t treat the set of a show like school.

Ssharad Malhotraa: Actor Ssharad Malhotraa is completely against this clause. “I don’t agree to such a clause. You can’t ask anyone to control their feelings and emotions. We are all adults and know where to draw the line. No one would want his or her show to suffer. Every actor is supposed to be professional and do justice to their work. You can’t treat the set like school,” he says.

Actor Poonam Preet feels that a no-dating clause is unfair.

Poonam Preet: Actor Poonam Preet says that this is a personal choice. “I feel this clause is completely baseless, it is something very personal. It is your personal choice whether you want to date a co-actor or not. We are professional actors and know our job and responsibility well enough,” she says.

Actor Rashami Desai says that actors need to be careful that their relationship should not affect their performance.

Rashami Desai: Actor Rashami Desai says that it’s important for actors to make sure that even if they are dating, their relationship should not affect the show. “I understand that makers don’t want co-stars to date as this might create complications. But, there are things that you don’t have control over. Of course, actors, too, must be careful that their relationship does not affect the show,” she says.