Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 24, 2020)

Following the Coronavirus scare across the globe, the Indian film industry has come to a complete standstill, with release dates, shooting schedules and boxoffice collections going for a toss. In the midst of this, B-townies are putting their creative skills to good use.

Vivek Agnihotri, who directed the sleeper hit The Tashkent Files last year, has taken up painting to raise money for daily wage workers. “There are a lot of people in the industry whose livelihood has been affected. I will sell these paintings for them,” he shares.

The shoot of Vivek’s next directorial, The Kashmir Files, which was to go on the floors on March 16, was cancelled at the last minute. The film was to be shot in parts of Jammu, Kashmir, Delhi and Mumbai. “My team of over 100 crew members have no work, so I am taking care of them too,” he informs.

The filmmaker has also tied up with the federations for junior actors, the art department, stuntmen and other technicians and is trying to raise funds for them too through his contact with NGOs. “I can only help in my limited way, but hopefully, it will encourage others to come forward,” he says.

Vivek has completed two paintings and the third is a work-in-progress. “It takes two days to complete a painting. I don’t know how long this lock-down will continue, so it’s best to keep working on my art. It’s important to be positive and put creativity to good use,” he reiterates.