Pehla loses Star Plus from its bouquet

The Star Plus entertainment television channel which has been off the air from the Pehla bouquet since Thursday is the talk of the town in Muscat, especially among housewives, for whom the soaps on the Indian satellite TV channels are part of the daily chores.

Since Thursday afternoon, the Star Plus channel has been off the air and there's no explanation coming forth for the consumers.

Shobha Chad told Gulf News yesterday: "I tried calling the Pehla network to ask what was the problem but couldn't even get through."

She gave up her efforts and is waiting for the telecast to resume.

"It is one of the most watched television channel, at least among the Indians," reckons Chad, who watches every episode of her favourite channels without fail. She added that most of the serials on this television channel were top rated and a big hit among women.

"I think Pehla should offer us some refund or extra days during the subscription period," he suggested.

A Pehla agent in Muscat told Gulf News that a problem in their (Pehla) server in Jordan caused disruption in broadcasting Star Plus signals. "We are also flooded with calls from our clients," said the representative, who preferred not to reveal his identity.

He also revealed that the problem in their server in Jordan affected the Star Plus channel in the entire GCC and not only in Muscat. "The problem is everywhere."

"I am really disappointed," Shantikumar Ashar, a 74-year-old retired executive said. He is here on a three-months visit to spend some time with his son and grandson.

"We are addicted to these serials as we (he and his wife) watch them religiously," he said. His son, who works with Al Turkey Enterprise in Muscat, ordered subscription of Pehla so that his parents can watch their favourite soaps and other shows.

"My son didn't have the Pehla connection but he got it specially for us and now for the last five days we can't watch Star Plus," complained the Mumbai-based Indian.

Vaishalee Suverna, however, has no complaints. "We are not getting Star Plus but who cares," said the hard-core cricket fan. "I watch Champions Trophy so we hardly have time to watch serials," she said, adding that even otherwise she has not been a regular soap watcher.

"They must be having some problems and I sympathise with them," she said profoundly, adding that she will not expect any refunds or such things for the lack of services for some days.

"I am getting quality cricket and I am happy." While those who have got their connections through official suppliers Pehla, are left high and dry without the Star Plus entertainment channel, there are many who are happily watching the same channel without any problems.