Why can't we replace actors if we cannot afford them?: 'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain' maker Binaifer Kohli on actors not agreeing to pay-cuts

By Rashita Sahni

on June 24, 2020

After three months of lockdown, the television industry was finally gearing up to resume shooting. With due permission from the Maharashtra Government with new guidelines, shows like Kumkum Bhagya, Kundali Bhagya, Tujhse Hai Raabta, Qurbaan Hua, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Punjabi were to begin on June 23. However, with no clarity regarding key factors like sanitation, safety, payments, insurance and shift timings, the shoots of nine television shows were called off. Despite that two television shows Pyar Ki Luka Chuppi and Shakti - Astitva Ek Ehsaas Ki have found their way out to shoot amid the COVID-19 scare that is pretty much still there.

However, the Indian Film & TV Producers' Council (IFTPC) had failed to fulfill some of the demands of the cast and crew that included an 8-hour shift for workers, insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh, and no pay cuts. Now, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain maker Binaifer Kohli is quite skeptical in executing the above-mentioned rules and demands. For Binaifer, an 8-hour-shift won't be enough and she gave a fair explanation to that.

"An 8-hour shift doesn’t work for me because how will I make a bank in that? First I have to test 40-50 people with a thermal gun, then oximeter, have to mark their daily report. Apart from this, I am not allowed to have anyone in the sets when the actors are there. Lightmen will check the lighting then go out, then the actors will go out and they will check for another angle, so if you see an episode which would have taken one and a half-day will now take two and a half days. Then there is a staggered lunch break. How will do we work and with what output? We have to stay on-air with a bank of episodes in case there are small closures," said Binaifer talking to an entertainment website.

Talking about pay cuts, Binaifer added, "All those who are highly paid and say that they will not take pay cuts, and we are told we can’t replace the actors, why? I can’t afford them, no? If I own a saree shop, and I can’t afford to keep a Banarasi saree I will only show you other material, right? Whatever is viable from the business point of view, the channel will do."

Further, she also addressed difficulties in working with only 33% of the total crew, the challenges that they will face amid monsoon, and how actors with big pay are not ready to go for a cut.

(Source: Pinkvilla)