With fears that COVID-19 will not bid farewell in haste, there is a growing clamour for restarting businesses, albeit with restrictions, else the cure might be worse than the disease if the already battered economy tanks.
TV producers too are thinking along the same lines.
Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hai maker Binaifer Kohli says, “If the private offices can now be allowed to function with 33% staff, we too should be permitted to resume shoots with the same quota. I have already spoken to the cast and crew, who are ready to move bag and baggage to set until things get back to normal. They will also do the required testing before getting locked in. All their needs, I.e. food, entertainment will be provided for.”
Binaifer further calls the current lockdown untenable. “How long can we pay our staff without work? Already we are proving them with rations and 60% salaries. “Along with the channels so far, we have bit the bullet (I have already forfeited my annual fee hike ), but there are limits to how long we can sustain. Also, can some explain to me the logic of delaying getting back to work? E.g.. Will things get any better by September (certain unions want to wait till then) sans a vaccine (which might not come before next year )? Also by then the rains will bring their miseries of dengue and malaria further compromising our immune systems.”
She adds, “It is high time all the concerned stakeholders come on common ground to work out some solution. I am not blaming anyone for; yes we are in a classic double-edged sword situation. Cases may rise if works start, but we need to do something for our entire industry’s future is at stake. The govt too needs to chip in by giving certain rebates.”
In closing on a positive note, Binaifer says, “Bhabhiji repeats have seen & TV’s GRP overtake other channels. This growth flies in the face of recent logic, suggesting TV giving away to the web; good content sells, period. No wonder Ramayana with its religious appeal and classic content smashed all records.”
