Bollywood, and those who work closely with the entertainment world, are sharply divided on the issue
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 16, 2020)

With social distancing becoming the new normal, film industry federations and unions are also planning new working norms. The guidelines issued by the Maharashtra government for the film industry stipulate a minimum six-feet distance between people and wearing of masks and gloves by all on set, except for those on screen. But the industry is worried.

A BIG ASK
Actor Radhika Apte says social distancing is difficult on a Bollywood set. “You have to accept it’s not possible. We need to find a way to survive till we find a vaccine,” she says.

Shooting particular scenes, especially crowd scenes, will be very difficult and filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar feels the entire structure may have to be reworked. “The nature of our business is such that we cannot do much of social distancing. Let’s see what template we have to follow, industry seniors, the associations, respective bodies will decide what we have to do,” he shares.

CONTACT-LESS, HOW?
According to the guidelines, PPEs should be worn by hair and makeup artists and others involved in activities involving person-to-person contact.

Makeup artist Pompy Hans, who works with actor Kareena Kapoor Khan, is unsure how their work will go on with social distancing. “When it comes to makeup and hair, you have to touch people by brush and in cases by hand. I don’t know how it is going to be possible,” he quips. Agrees actor Saiyami Kher, who feels there is a long way before work can resume. “I have a project which is 80% done but the makers and producers are saying they won’t take any risk even with social distancing in place,” she shares.

INNOVATION IS KEY
However, many feel work must resume. A spotboy on condition of anonymity says, “We haven’t seen any income for long. If the government has shared guidelines, the industry must follow them and start work.”

Highlighting the need for “innovative ways”, producer Bhushan Kumar says, “Safety is paramount, we are working towards it...we’re trying to formulate a way forward.”