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After the unfortunate outbreak of Coronavirus, TV producers have now decided to re-run their old shows since production work is canceled until March 31, 2020. New shows which were supposed to be launched have alos been put on hold now.
“A decade ago, producers would have a bank of episodes in the eventuality of work coming to a halt on a show. But today, when the narrative has to keep changing depending on the ratings, it’s not possible to bank episodes for more than a week,” pointed out an industry veteran, adding that if the unexpected shutdown continues beyond the month-end, channels will have no option but to re-run old episodes till things return to normal.
Binaifer Kohli, the producer of Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain! and Happu Ki Ultan Pultan said, “A number of countries across the world have reached the third stage, we haven’t. If India is able to flatten the curve, it will take a fortnight to get back into the groove. Right now, work is the last of my concerns. If people don’t live, how will they work? We must ensure that everyone is protected. Even my spot boy can contact me at any time if he needs help. Prevention is the only cure and in such a situation, it’s not about me or you but about us as one. We as Indians have overcome the biggest calamities and I’m sure we will this time too.”
Rajan Shahi was to launch his new show, Anupama, last Monday, March 16. A day before, along with the channel, Star Plus, he took the call to cancel the launch. The producer-director whose other shows, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (YRKKH) and Yeh Rishte Hain Pyaar Ke (YRHPK), are on air on the same channel, informed that the new one was slotted for 9 pm, followed by YRKKH and YRHPK. “But now we will continue broadcasting the ongoing shows with fresh content. But since we don’t have a large bank, we have fresh content only till next week. We will take stock of the situation next Monday (March 30). Even though we have footage, we could edit only till Thursday (March 19) after which I had to close my office due to the shut down. I won’t be able to get any more editing done till March 31, going by the present directive,” he said.
Meera Deosthale, the leading lady of Vidya, shared, “In the last few days, we have shot as much extra footage as possible, with three teams shooting at three locations simultaneously. The producers and the channel ensured we had a doctor on each set, in case anyone had cough, cold or fever. The necessary precautions and the importance of hygiene was explained and we were given sanitisers and masks. Now, we’ve been told to stay at home and avoid travel after work halted on Thursday.”
Actors are extending their support to their staff, from drivers and spot boys to hairstylists and make-up artists. “Why should daily wage earners face problems if work is halted for no fault of theirs?” asked Beyhadh 2 actor Shivin Narang. “If I take a break from work, I can’t shirk the responsibility of paying my staff’s salaries. Considering this is a pandemic, we must stand by our people.”
“Even Bigg Boss (Season 13) will be aired again for a while. The situation is changing daily and with the government sparing no efforts in trying to control its spread of the virus, we will take stock of the situation on March 30,” admitted a source.
“From broadcasters, producers and directors to actors, technicians and unit members, we’re all in this together and doing our bit to help. The industry’s spirit always reinforces itself during a crisis,” Rajan Shahi said. Manish Goswami, vice-president of the Film & TV Producers Guild of India that has initiated a relief fund for daily wage workers, said, “At present our priority is to take necessary precautions to prevent the spread, the next 10 days are crucial. The Guild has initiated a fund for the workers and we’re appealing to the fraternity to come forward and help. Once we collect a substantial amount, we will start disbursing the money to the workers.”
(Source: Mumbai Mirror)
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