Controversial Indian TV show ‘Pehredaar’ pulled off air

Sony Entertainment Television on Tuesday said it has pulled its controversial show Pehredaar Piya Ki off the air. The development came after a string of complaints against the show, which is around an 18-year-old woman marrying a nine-year-old boy.

The development was effective from Monday, according to an official statement.

“While we understand that the decision to end this serial will be disappointing to those whose creative energies are vested in it, namely its crew and cast, we are convinced that we will be better served by focusing instead on developing viewer interest in our upcoming, new shows,” the statement said.

“We are grateful to all the artists, producers and fans of our shows and request you to graciously support the viewership of our newer ventures,” it added.

Earlier this month, the Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC) directed the channel to shift the show to a late night slot, in addition to running it with a scroll stating that it does not promote the concept of child marriage.

An online petition called for a ban on the TV show, which has been described as having “obnoxious and perverted” content that can “severely impact impressionable minds of children”.

The makers defended it, saying viewers must understand the circumstances in which the girl has to marry the child.

Pehredaar Piya Ki, produced by Shashi Sumeet Productions, released last month. The makers were also reportedly planning to add a forward leap to the story.