As shoots have been put on hold for the next 15 days in Maharashtra, celebs rue the decision

Mona

After cinema halls and multiplexes were closed throughout Maharashtra, under ‘Break The Chain’ order by the Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, films, TV serials and advertisement shoots have been put on hold from Wednesday night for the next 15 days. Indeed, a big jolt for the entertainment industry that was barely getting back on to its feet.

“Things were not easy last year, this order is going to make it worse,” says director Manoj Agrawal. “While top actors and makers can take it easy, things are about to get grave for those who depend on it for daily living. What’s even more challenging is that it’s not going to be just 15 days,” adds the director, who is using the break to write the script for his next venture.

Secure location

The shoot of Kyun Rishton Mein Katti Batti will be continued at a secure location outside Maharashtra. — Siddhaanth Vir Surryavanshi, actor

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Necessary step

It is quite unfortunate that we have to stop shooting, but the second wave of Covid-19 is dangerous and no one is safe. So, I guess this was a necessary step. — Raghav Tiwari, actor

Ashoke Pandit, president of the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), opines, “When people are sitting at home, the entertainment industry keeps them engaged. During times like this, how are we not essential workers? During a meeting on Wednesday, organisations, including Indian Motion Pictures Producers’ Association (IMPPA), Western India Film Producers’ Association (WIFPA) and others, came together to request the Chief Minister to let us continue post-production and set-creation work. We would work within a bio-bubble.”

Hard decision

Pooja Banerjee, who plays the role of Rhea in Kumkum Bhagya, finds the state disheartening. “While I am sure we might have a few episodes in the bank, there won’t be so many to last 14-15 days. The makers are surely trying to figure something out and we will know about it shortly. Till then, we all should be patient, positive and take care of ourselves as much as possible,” she says.

Actor Rishina Kandhari adds, “We could have found other ways to shoot. The only way the industry can survive is if the technicians and actors survive!”

“We all are daily-wagers, if we don’t have episodes on air we don’t get paid,” says Binaifer Kohli, producer, Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain. “We are considering shooting somewhere else, but if there is another surge things will get worse. I believe the best is to lie low at the moment.”

Sanjay Gagnani, aka Prithvi of Kundali Bhagya, feels that the second wave of Covid-19 has washed away hopes of many, “The scenario has really become uncontrollable and the administration had no other option but to impose these restrictions. I wish we don’t have to go through another lockdown.”

Pratibha Ranta, who plays Chahat in Qurbaan Hua, finds herself in the same situation like last year, “It is really grave. The whole television industry is planning to figure out a temporary shoot location outside Maharashtra.”

mona@tribunemail.com