Veena Malik

Despite continuous protests from the Shiv Sena against the presence of two Pakistani contestants, model Veena Malik and host Begum Nawazish Ali in the reality show ‘Bigg Boss 4′, the shooting of the show is on.

Fearing the Shiv Sena protests and speculated threats, the cable operators blocked the Colors channel till 9 pm on Wednesday night in some parts of Mumbai and Thane.

Only the direct-to-home (DTH) users will be able to view the channel, especially ‘Bigg Boss’.

Cable operators confirmed the black out
Confirming the black out, Ganesh Naidu, president of Cable Operators and Distributors Association, with over 2,500 members in Mumbai said, “Senior Shiv Sena leader Anil Parab requested us not to air Colors and help them take an aggressive stand vis-à-vis the participation of Pakistani stars in Bigg Boss-4.”

“Parab told us that Indian channels find no space in Pakistan. So why are we giving importance to people with Pakistani nationality? Most of us agree with him and hence we have accepted his request,” added Ganesh.

While Sena leader Anil Parab said, “The blackout began in Mumbai from Wednesday and will spread to rest of the state by Thursday.”

“We received calls from operators that the Shiv Sena has ordered a blackout. By 9 pm (Wednesday) our telecast was suspended,” Colors spokesperson confirmed.

However, in all this controversies, the sufferers are the viewers as they were unable to watch their programs during the black out.

‘Bigg Boss 4′ increasing TRP’s
Despite the Shiv Sena and Colors’ battle, ‘Bigg Boss 4′ TRP’s is increasing, all thanks to the contestants.

The reality show’s TRP is surging compared to it’s last season’s, which was hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.

Reportedly, even the Pune District Administration has asked the channel to clarify the issues with the party.