Rekha Nigam, the programming and production head at Sony Entertainment Television (SET), has quit. No successor has yet been appointed.
Confirming the development, Nigam told Business Standard: "I have put in my papers as I am getting back to writing a movie which I had left in between." The rumours have been doing the rounds for a while now about an impending shakeout in the top ranks at Sony.
Nigam took over from Ravina Raj Kohli, her high-flying predecessor, who joined Kerry Packer's Nine Broadcasting as chief executive officer. Nigam took charge at a time when Sony was losing its viewership to Star Plus, which met with tremendous success with Kaun Banega Crorepati. Her immediate task, hence, was to rework the channel's entire programming schedule.
Nigam subsequently introduced 'Jeeto Chappar Phaadke', the game show hosted by Bollywood superstar Govinda. However, the show met with only lukewarm response, and the number of shows per week has been reduced.
Nigam has quit at a time when 'Shubh Vivah', the reality show hosted by Bollywood queen Madhuri Dixit is supposed to go on air.
