The producers of the popular Indian television series Mere Sai – Shraddha Aur Saburi are facing accusations of failing to pay writers for their work, with outstanding dues reportedly exceeding 15 lakhs (approximately $18,000 USD) for individual contributors. The allegations, surfacing in mid-March 2026, center on Dashami Studioz, the production company helmed by Nitin Vaidya, Ninad Vaidya and Aparna Padgaonkar. This dispute highlights a recurring issue within the Indian television industry: the financial vulnerability of writers and the challenges they face in securing timely and full compensation for their creative contributions. The show, which aired on Sony TV from September 2017 to July 2023, garnered a significant following for its portrayal of the life and teachings of Sai Baba of Shirdi.
The claims of unpaid dues have sparked concern among writers who contributed to the long-running series. Several writers have come forward alleging that despite completing assignments, they have not received full payment, and attempts to resolve the issue with the production company have been unsuccessful. This situation is particularly troubling given the show’s success and longevity, running for 1432 episodes, making it one of the longest-running Indian television mythological series, according to Wikipedia. Mere Sai – Shraddha Aur Saburi’s popularity underscores the creative labor involved in its production, making the allegations of non-payment all the more concerning.
Nitin Keswani, a writer for the show, stated he has not received payment for his work on the second season for nearly three years. He alleges that promises of clearing past dues were made to entice him to continue writing, but these promises were not fulfilled. Keswani further claims discrepancies existed in the tax deductions at source (TDS) and goods and services tax (GST) amounts. He estimates his outstanding dues to be between 12 and 15 lakhs. The situation, he explains, was compounded by a feeling of being trapped, as producers suggested that if he stopped writing, they would hire a replacement who would need to be paid, effectively forcing him to continue working without compensation. This alleged tactic raises questions about the power dynamics within the industry and the pressures faced by writers.
Writers Detail a Pattern of Delayed and Incomplete Payments
Koel Chaudhari, another writer associated with Mere Sai, echoed Keswani’s concerns, stating that whereas some small payments were received, the last five months of her work remain unpaid. She expressed surprise that the production company proceeded with a new season despite outstanding debts to the cast and crew. That subsequent season, however, was short-lived, being taken off the air after a few months. Chaudhari also alleges that other writers on previous Dashami Studioz productions, including the series Ahilya, have experienced similar payment issues, suggesting a pattern of behavior. This raises concerns about the financial stability and ethical practices of the production company.
Writer-producer Farhan Salaruddin reported that only 40 percent of his payment for the second season, which concluded in June 2025, has been cleared, with the remaining 60 percent still outstanding. He described the payments as “scattered,” with the last installment received in November 2025, leaving him waiting for payment for four months as of March 2026. Salaruddin’s experience further illustrates the difficulties writers face in receiving fair and timely compensation for their work. The lack of consistent payment schedules and the delays in settling dues create financial instability for writers who rely on these earnings.
Industry Concerns and Lack of Writer Protection
The allegations against Dashami Studioz have brought to light broader concerns about the lack of protection for writers within the Indian television industry. Chaudhari noted that many writers initially trust producers based on established relationships and a history of successful collaborations, leading them to delay seeking assistance from industry associations. She also highlighted the power imbalance, stating that pursuing payment can sense like “emotional begging” for what is rightfully owed. This sentiment underscores the vulnerability of writers and the challenges they face in advocating for their rights.
Writers also point to a lack of unity within the profession and a tendency for some to accept lower pay, which can drive down industry standards. The profession is often perceived as undervalued, with writers frequently blamed when a show underperforms. This creates a precarious situation where writers are hesitant to speak out against unfair practices for fear of jeopardizing future opportunities. The situation is exacerbated by shrinking budgets and increased pressure to produce content quickly and efficiently.
The Role of Industry Associations and Legal Recourse
While the Screenwriters Association (SWA) exists to protect the rights of writers, its effectiveness in resolving disputes and enforcing payment agreements remains a subject of debate. The SWA, established to advocate for writers’ interests, provides a platform for addressing grievances and negotiating fair contracts. However, as Chaudhari suggests, many writers initially hesitate to involve the association, preferring to resolve issues directly with producers. This reluctance can stem from a desire to maintain professional relationships or a lack of confidence in the association’s ability to deliver results.
Legal recourse is available to writers seeking to recover unpaid dues, but the process can be lengthy and expensive. Filing a complaint with labor authorities or pursuing legal action in civil court requires significant time and financial resources, which many writers may not have. The legal system can be complex and navigating it effectively requires specialized knowledge and expertise. The lack of accessible and affordable legal support further exacerbates the challenges faced by writers seeking to enforce their rights.
Dashami Studioz Remains Silent
Despite repeated attempts, producer Nitin Vaidya of Dashami Studioz has not responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations. This lack of transparency has fueled further frustration among the affected writers and raised questions about the company’s accountability. The absence of a public statement or explanation from the production company has only intensified the scrutiny and damaged its reputation within the industry.
The situation with Mere Sai – Shraddha Aur Saburi is not isolated. Reports of delayed or non-payment of writers’ dues are unfortunately common in the Indian television industry. This systemic issue requires a multi-faceted approach involving stronger industry regulations, increased awareness of writers’ rights, and a greater commitment from production companies to fair and transparent payment practices. The long-term health and sustainability of the industry depend on ensuring that writers are adequately compensated for their creative contributions.
As of March 17, 2026, the writers involved are continuing to seek resolution to their payment disputes. The next step for many is likely to be formal complaints to the Screenwriters Association and, potentially, legal action. The industry will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and whether it will prompt broader changes in payment practices.
Have you experienced similar issues in the Indian television industry? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Please also share this article to raise awareness about the challenges faced by writers and the need for fair compensation.
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