The Cine TV and Artistes Association (CTVAA) on Thursday weighed into the dispute between sacked former host Anupam Kher and Zee Telefilms over the suspension of the problem-plagued game show Sawaal Dus Crore Ka (SDCK).

As Zee desperately tried damage control measures to deal with the snowballing ruckus surrounding the sacking of Kher and co-host Manisha Koirala from SDCK, it got an unexpected shot in the arm from the CTVAA. Association Secretary Dharmesh Tiwari categorically denied the CTVAA had anything to do with the statements attributed to committee member Raza Murad that letters had been sent to Zee and Ashutosh Rana, the man the rumour mill says will replace Kher, seeking an explanation from both parties.

Murad was quoted on Wednesday as having said that the CTVAA had sought a clarification from Zee following receipt of a complaint from Kher over the manner in which Kher's services were terminated. Murad also said that Rana was asked to explain why he didn't secure a no objection certificate from Kher before beginning negotiations with Zee.

Tiwari clarified that unless the committee met and debated any issue no one was authorised to issue statements. He admitted the CTVAA had received a complaint from Kher but said the committee was still to meet to take up the matter. The meeting would take place in the next two days, he assured indiantelevision.com.

Asked how Murad could have made statements if he had no authority, Tiwari said unless the CTVAA committee had a chance to get Murad's version of the situation, he could not comment.

Meanwhile, Kher himself has left the matter to the courts and doesn't propose to follow up on any further action other than what he has already initiated. When contacted, Kher said the matter will come up for hearing in the next few days and his lawyers would take it from there.