Tannaz Irani, who was seen as the antagonist in the TV show Apna Time Bhi Aayega, has been replaced abruptly. Due to the lockdown in Mumbai, the shoot was shifted to Goa and Tannaz wasn't sure about travelling in the pandemic, that too after recovering from COVID-19. Talking to a leading daily, the actress said they replaced her without any discussion.
"I shot with them till April 11, two days before they decided to move to Goa after shoots came to a halt in Maharashtra. The production house texted everyone, enquiring whether we would be available to shoot, but without mentioning other details like accommodation and duration of the stay. I told them that I was not sure about travelling, but was open to a discussion. However, there was no discussion," Tannaz told.
Tannaz said she received a random call from the team that they are replacing her. Shocked and confused, Tannaz asked why actors have to always suffer. "It was a random call; they told me that I was required to shoot every day, as my character is pivotal. They went on to add that they have thought it through and since I can’t travel to Goa, they are replacing me. I am shocked and confused. If something like this can happen with a senior artiste like me, I can only imagine the state of newcomers. I have been replaced and I can’t do anything about it. What if I had to tell the production house that I wasn’t satisfied with my track and wouldn’t continue on the show? I would have been labelled as unprofessional. Why is it always that an actor has to suffer? Why aren’t we given our due?" Tannaz said.
Sharing the interview on her Instagram account, Tannaz wrote, "SHOCKING NEWS TO BE TOLD YOU ARE REPLACED! OVER A PHONE CALL?! If I had to do the same as an actor because I got a better roll and better price somewhere else I would have been labelled AN UNPROFESSIONAL ACTOR Isn't it? Why? Why? Are Actors treated this way?"
Reacting to the shocking news, Tannaz's actor-husband Bhakhtyar Irani said, "Sorry but actorS need to respect themselves...when some are in ICU and some are dead...some are still shooting...trp and episodes are important for a producer ..but as an actor avoid ..!! Simple.. @tannazirani_ u took a stand not to go...rest don't...mere zarooratein kum hai isliye mere zameer mein dum hai...( Shri Singham)..everyone doesn't follow shri singham... Jai maharastra jai goa jai jaipur jai whichever other place...just a question after all the precautions what if someone gets it and has complications. ?? Who will be responsible???"
Kishwer Merchantt commented, "This is how they are .. humanity in India is over .. and these guys always want to blame actors and have one sided contracts !!! Majority of the people in Goa are covid positive .. so yes u have full rights to ask questions.. you and your family 1st always, atleast this is what the pandemic has taught me !!!"
Vahbiz Dorabjee wrote, "It's sad that even after the pandemic it has not taught them the value of a human life.The treatment badly needs to change.Actors are not a tissue paper.Respect first.And tanaaz on your part you are right.Safety first.Stay safe.And Value yourself"
Debina Bonnerjee said, "True. @tannazirani_ we are with you. You did the right thing. If shoot has come to a halt in Mumbai is for the health reason for the people. There is no point shifting base and continuing shooting. Covid is not seeing the state and attacking."
Delnaaz Irani, Tannaz's sister-in-law, said, "Health and family first nothing is more important..god bless"
The production house of Apna Time Bhi Aayega is yet to issue a statement on Tannaz being replaced in the show.
(Source: Times Of India/Instagram)