According to the new rule, actors above the age of 65 will not be allowed on the sets of TV shows, owing to the ongoing Coronavirus crisis
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; June 8, 2020)

The television industry is set to resume shoots in a week’s time. However, the Government Resolution (GR) states that any cast/crew member above the age of 65 will not be allowed at the site keeping in mind their health concerns. So, will our daily soaps now not see the endearing dadi-dada or nana-nani, who have been an integral part of them?

‘HOW CAN YOU DO AWAY WITH SENIOR ARTISTES?’
Bharti Achrekar (71), who features in Naati Pinky Ki Lambi Love Story, says, “I was furious when I heard about the new rule. How can you do away with senior artistes, who have given so many years to the industry? How can anyone else decide on our behalf whether we should work? It should be my prerogative as well. If I am healthy, why should I be deprived of work? There are solutions — for example, a senior artiste can work for three days in a week. In my case specifically, as I stay far away (Dadar), the producers can arrange accommodation on the set to avoid any health risks.”

‘THE RULE WILL LEAD TO MONETARY ISSUES’
Some senior artistes are worried about their source of livelihood being affected. Daljit Soundh, who is in her 70s, was looking forward to resuming the shoot of her TV show, Guddan — Tumse Na Ho Payega. She says, “I am unmarried and I live alone. So, I need to earn for survival. This rule should be applicable to those who are ailing or unwell. In any case, artistes will exercise social distancing on the set. If the new rule is implemented, it will certainly lead to monetary issues for people like me.”

PRODUCERS HOPE TO FIND A SOLUTION
Producers hope to find a way out to work with senior artistes, who play pivotal characters on their shows. Asit Kumarr Modi, the producer of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, shares, “Most senior artistes don’t have an alternative source of income. Who will take care of their expenses? Also, there is no such rule for senior citizens, who run small shops. So, why should such a rule be implemented in our line of work? The new GR is applicable for two months and will be amended later. But not having a pivotal character played by a senior artiste will affect the continuity until then. Everyone has to come together to request the government to rethink and reconsider this rule.”

‘HEALTH IS WHAT MATTERS, NOT AGE’
Birendra Nath Tiwari, president of the Federation of Western Cine Employees (FWICE), shares, “I had a meeting with the Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA), which has many senior artistes as its members. They have already been out of work owing to the lockdown. They will suffer more if they are not allowed to shoot now. The federation plans to approach the state and central governments regarding this. We want to request them to consider artistes’ health and not their age. We will ensure all precautionary measures to ensure their safety.”