On Tuesday, filmmaker and Yash Raj Films’ (YRF) head honcho Aditya Chopra threw open the doors of his studio to kick off the vaccination drive, thus staying true to his word of inoculating 30,000 daily-wagers of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). Even as the first day saw close to 3,500 workers getting immunised, the drive has faced a setback in the form of anti-vaxxers in the industry. 

With many harbouring misplaced fear and suspicions about the vaccine, the studio and FWICE find themselves bearing the additional responsibility of educating workers about its necessity. In a bid to encourage people to take the jab, FWICE has now adopted the no-vaccine-no-shoot policy where only those who have taken the first dose will be allowed on a set.

Pappu Lekhraj, who supplies the largest number of daily-wage artistes to Hindi film productions, reveals, “It has been a struggle on the part of the studio and FWICE to convince people to get inoculated. YRF is sponsoring the vaccination of workers and their families, while [the cine body] has announced that unless a worker takes the jab, he/she won’t be allowed back on set. Be it YRF or Bhansali Productions, there’s an emphasis on vaccinated workers.”

Going forward, several other production houses, including Excel Entertainment and Rohit Shetty Picturez, will follow the policy. Ashok Dubey, general secretary, FWICE, says, “Very few daily-wage artistes, workers and spot boys had filled the form [to take the shot]. But when the initiative kicked off, many others came forward. We have told them vaccination is compulsory, and that producers will call only those immunised for their shoots. So, out of the fear of losing jobs, people are now getting jabbed.” 

YRF, one of the biggest studios of Bollywood, meanwhile is going full steam ahead on its multi-phase vaccination programme. Akshaye Widhani, senior vice president at the studio, said, “After inoculating all the employees at the studio and the crew members of our films, we have now started the vaccination drive for the Hindi film industry. This will result in the daily-wage earners returning to work and gaining financial stability. The drive will have to take place in phases, given the huge number of vaccines that are required to cover the industry.”

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; June 11, 2020)

While the national Coronavirus lockdown began on March 25, Bollywood filmmakers had voluntarily stalled all their shoots by March 17, owing to safety concerns. Production and studio offices, too, pulled down shutters. The Maharashtra government’s resolution to commence shoots, which arrived on May 31, filled the industry with hope. However, before the units go back on the floors, there are a lot of logistics to be worked out, which, most filmmakers say, will be a humongous task. To begin with, it’s too early to say whether most actors will be comfortable stepping out to work right away. There is also the responsibility of ensuring that every unit follows the health and safety regulations. Apart from that, the onset of monsoon in Mumbai calls for another level of planning.

Before the lockdown, films like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Prithviraj, Atrangi Re, Nikamma, Mumbai Saga, Maidaan and Gangubai Kathiawadi were underway. Some films had just a few days of shooting left, but others had only reached the halfway mark.

‘SHOOTS WON’T COMMENCE BEFORE JULY’
Ashok Dubey of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) told BT, “We recently had a conversation with the Cine And TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA). There is no clarity over the insurance cover for workers and their safety on sets. Their outstanding dues, too, have to be cleared. We have scheduled a meeting with the Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC) to find a solution. Without any clarity on the insurance coverage, we can’t ask workers to return to work. Helmets, harnesses, gloves, masks, sanitisers and various other points mentioned in the Government Resolution (GR), too, have to be complied with. We want a supervisor on every set to monitor this. Right now, there are only two film units set up in Film City — Gangubai Kathiawadi (starring Alia Bhatt) and Bosco Martis’ next. These could be among the ones to commence shooting. The question is, are stars ready to come out? I don’t see film shoots commencing before July.”

‘WE SHOULD NOT RUSH INTO ANYTHING’
Amit Ravindernath Sharma, director of Maidaan, said, “We had finished about 55 per cent of the film by March. We have football matches left to shoot, and for those, we had built a huge set in Madh Island. We had done a lot of groundwork, including erecting rooms and setting other amenities, which will have to be dismantled now since the rains have arrived. Depending on the condition of the turf, we will start work on the set post monsoon.”

Filmmaker Anees Bazmee’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, starring Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani, was underway in Lucknow when the pandemic struck. He said, “We will have to go back to Lucknow to shoot, because there needs to be continuity. Right now, I can’t put a date on when my film will start rolling again.”

Meanwhile, Sanjay Gupta, who has a few days of work left on Mumbai Saga, starring Emraan Hashmi and John Abraham, said, “Hopefully, by mid-July, we will be ready to fly out to Hyderabad. Ramoji Film City has not allocated space to us yet; they are also gearing up to start work. I will fly with a small team and hire technicians there. I’ve discussed the plan of work with the actors and everyone’s given a go-ahead.”

Sonil Dedhia (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 28, 2020)

Daily wage earners, across industries, are among those most severely hit due to the Coronavirus crisis. And this includes the lookalikes of Bollywood actors. Raju Rahikwar, 46, a lookalike of actor Shah Rukh Khan, who has been entertaining audiences since 1995, is finding it difficult to support his family during the lockdown. “I don’t see things getting better anytime soon. I have started a small business of selling hand sanitisers and masks, along with a friend. I need to feed my family and also pay my children’s school fees,” he shares.

He adds that the only individual who has come forward to help is actor Salman Khan. “I received ₹3,000 from Being Human Foundation but I distributed it among three people, just as Salman bhai has been asking his fans to do. I also got a food coupon worth ₹1,500 from the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE),” he says.

Arif Khan, a lookalike of actor Anil Kapoor and also the president of All India Look Alike Association, feels the industry should look into their problems. “FWICE president, Birendra Nath Tiwari and secretary Ashok Dubey are doing a great job of [helping] daily wage workers. I appreciate their efforts, but I believe the industry should look after us, too. As there are no film or ad shoots and events going on, the lookalikes have been jobless. We need the industry to do something for us, just like other daily wage earners are being supported,” he says.

Echoing the worries amid the current crisis, Zaed, a lookalike of Sunny Deol, says, “I have been doing this all my life. I am not even in a position to think of what else I can do for a living. Many are dependent on my income and the situation is just going from bad to worse.”

They are the first from the film industry to go back to a set during this phase, and the director said that they followed the protocol strictly
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; May 26, 2020)

On Monday (May 25), 60 days since the national Coronavirus lockdown was implemented, Akshay Kumar and filmmaker R Balki (who directed him in Pad Man) were present at Kamalistan Studios to shoot a public service film. The shoot, Balki told BT, lasted about four hours and was completed with just a 20-member team.

Balki explained, “Akshay and I shot a public service film for the health ministry, which is about every citizen’s post-lockdown responsibilities. During the shoot, we followed social distancing, and our set was fully sanitised. We also had disinfectant screens, masks... the works. We got used to all this in a few minutes. Anil Naidu, the producer, showed us how we could do the same shoot with fewer people while ensuring maximum safety. Of course, we had all the permissions from the police and other authorities in place, as we needed to shoot this public service film to get this important message across. Also, now we know first-hand, what we need to do if we have to shoot in the post-lockdown era.”

The team had permission to shoot on May 22, 23 and 25. However, the actual shoot took place on Monday (May 25) and was wrapped up by noon. Ashok Dubey from the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) said, “The team followed all the precautionary measures, and even shared the visuals with us to keep us informed.”

Producer Anil Naidu said, “We shot with three lightmen, three crew members working on the setting, a DOP with two assistants and two people to assist the director and a few others. It was a very tight crew. Akshay came dressed from his home for the shoot. Since it was an early morning shoot, we had food packets and fruits for everyone. We had informed the crew in advance that there will be no catering on the sets. We also had a doctor and had set up a disinfectant tunnel. We gave everyone masks, sanitised the set thoroughly and maintained social distance at all times.”

With Salman Khan bearing expenses of 25,000 daily wagers, father Salim Khan tells mid-day how Khan-daan is taking care of their staff and SKF employees as well
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; March 30, 2020)

Over the past 10 days, as this paper continuously chronicled the plight of daily-wage workers due to Coronavirus lockdown, a singular aspect came to the fore — the employees' unflinching faith that Salman Khan will stand by them in their hour of need. The superstar hasn't let them down, and has decided to bear expenses of 25,000 daily wagers. Not only that, the actor's father — noted screenwriter Salim Khan — tells mid-day that his sons have lent financial assistance to their staff at their respective studios.

The veteran says, "I don't want to comment on [Salman's contribution to the 25,000 workers] as I don't know much about it. But our family has a principle — hamara paisa jahan jaaye, wahan dikhna chahiye aur kisike kaam aana chahiye. [Since the past fortnight], we have been arranging meals for our building and Salman's security guards. We must all look after our staff."

A source from Salman Khan Films (SKF) reveals that as soon as the suspension of shoots was announced mid-March, the studio dispersed the monthly salary to its employees. "Salman is also taking care of the ration of those at his studio who are in dire need." Arbaaz Khan, who runs his eponymous studio, says, "We have asked all employees to stay home; their salaries are taken care of as are their other needs."

Meanwhile, Ashok Dubey, general secretary, FWICE, reveals that the top brass of SKF reached out to the organisation on Saturday, enquiring about the daily wagers. "I informed them that they earn about Rs 15,000 a month. They said that Salman wants the account details of the 25,000 workers, and he will sponsor them. Salman Bhai also contributes Rs 5 lakh every month, thus taking care of their medical expenses." Ashoke Pandit, chief advisor, adds, "Salman and Salim ji have always helped the industry."


Bollywood's Generous Act
Besides Akshay Kumar who contributed Rs 25 crore to the PM CARES Fund, Varun Dhawan donated Rs 30 lakh, and Randeep Hooda and his entrepreneur friend contributed Rs 1 crore. Rajkummar Rao made a contribution to the PM's relief fund as well as the state government's relief fund. Hrithik Roshan and Kapil Sharma also did their bit for the cause.

MUMBAI MIRROR (March 24, 2020)

Thousands of casual workers who build sets for Bollywood films, or fight and dance behind established stars, have been left jobless after all shoots were suspended in a bid to tackle the coronavirus outbreak. Following the shutdown, that started on March 19 and is on till March 31, the Film & TV Producers Guild of India announced a relief fund for those on daily wages.

Pointing out that ‘this is the first time producers have shown interest’, Ashok Dubey, general secretary of FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) said, “A production house gave us 4,000 packets of food provisions to distribute among workers.” The Federation, whose members include 30 film trade unions, has long demanded timely payment of wages and better working conditions for those hired on a day-to-day basis, he added.

Sadly, long-term solutions for the timely payment of wages or for providing benefits such as medical insurance, are not on the agenda for now, film industry chiefs said.

“We’re looking at addressing the problem on hand and that is a big problem,” Kulmeet Makkar, head of the Producers Guild of India, said about the pause in production and its impact on casual workers.

The federation says the shoot was for composer-singer Amit Trivedi’s music video
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; March 19, 2020)

Yesterday the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) received a tip-off about an on-going music video shoot in Madh Island, Mumbai. It was apparently for music composer-singer Amit Trivedi’s upcoming song. The FWICE members, along with their health and safety supervisor, reached the set at about 2.30 pm and brought the work to a halt, immediately.

Speaking to BT, Ashok Dubey, General Secretary of FWICE, said, “The members of the federation reached the set unannounced. When they asked the unit members why they were at work despite the announcement made on Tuesday that all shoots had to be stopped immediately due to Coronavirus outbreak, they said that they were 'confused'. Initially, it was decided that work would stop from March 19, but on Tuesday, a fresh decision was made and communicated to everyone.”

When we spoke to Feroz (Raja) Khan, the Health and Safety Chairman of the FWICE, who was present on the set, he said, “We spoke to the unit members. Amit Trivedi was not on the set. They were following precautions. Some unit members who had reported sick on the set were sent back home with their due payments. They had medical help at hand and were also conducting thermal screenings, wearing masks and using sanitisers, but the point is, they were not supposed to be shooting in the first place. So, we made them vacate the set and sent everyone home.”

While Amit could not be reached, his wife Krutee said that she was totally unaware of the incident. “We are actually at home. How will Amit be doing any music video shoots? He hardly gets any time from film work. Since it’s a music video, everyone is assuming that it is Amit Trivedi’s video. I don’t know about this... udhar Madh mein kya ho raha hai mujhe pata nahin hai,” she said.

- Inputs by Debarati Sen

Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; March 17, 2020)

In a bid to tackle the ongoing Coronavirus crisis, it has been decided that shoots of all TV shows will be suspended from March 19 till March 31. The decision was taken on Sunday, in a meeting between the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC), Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA), Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), Western India Producers’ Association (WIPA). J D Majethia, chairman, IFTPC and producer of Bhakharwadi, informs, “Serial production is a vulnerable business. If shoots come to a halt, it leads to unbearable losses. However, nothing is more important than human life. As they say, the show will definitely go on, but we have taken a break to support the industry, state, country and the world at large.”

GET READY FOR RERUNS AND RECAPS
Despite commencing shoots in advance, it’s almost impossible to create a bank of episodes of TV shows. Reason: The storyline undergoes several changes based on the audience’s feedback and ratings. However, given the current scenario, an attempt is being made to shoot as many episodes as possible in a limited time, so that the audience isn’t deprived of their daily dose of entertainment. If the shoots don’t commence even after the banks of episodes are exhausted, viewers will get to see reruns of their favourite soaps.

Actress Aneri Vajani, who is seen in Pavitra Bhagya, says, “We are putting in more hours so that maximum number of episodes can be shot. Everyone is cooperating, and I hope that we meet the deadline. But more importantly, I hope this virus gets eliminated soon.”

Aishwarya Sakhuja, who plays Mahima Srinivasan in Yeh Hai Chahatein, adds, “We don’t have a bank of episodes, but I am glad that a lockdown has been declared. This suspension is the need of the hour. Hundreds of people work on our sets every day. Of these, many use public transport and they are at an increased risk of COVID-19 infection. So, let’s take a break and get back stronger.”

Ashish Chowdhry, who is currently seen in Beyhadh 2, agrees that a ‘no show’ will have an adverse effect on the viewership. He says, “It will make a difference because people will lose their flow of watching shows and the habit will break. I hope we make some good reruns and recaps to keep them hooked.”

PAID LEAVES FOR DAILY WAGERS
While business will be affected, it’s daily-wage workers who will suffer maximum because of the lockdown. Ashok Dubey, general secretary FWICE, says, “Our members comprise at least 90 per cent of the unit. The decision has come as a huge blow to them, but nothing is more important than life. If anything happens to them, their families will suffer, too. We had issued a circular on March 5, instructing every producer to implement safety measures, but some of them didn’t implement them. Hence, we had to arrive at this decision to ensure everyone’s safety.”

Talking about the provision of paid leaves for the daily wagers during the shutdown phase, he adds, “The producers have told us that they will have a discussion with the broadcasters about this.”
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PRODUCERS WELCOME THE MOVE

This is the best decision we could have taken for the industry. I am thankful to the broadcasters, producers and other associations for joining hands to curb the spread of the virus. We have taken precautionary measures on our set — right from installing a fumigation machine to a doctor examining every member of the unit, and arranging for masks and sanitisers. However, these are only basic preventive measures. The best prevention is to exercise selfquarantine. The daily wagers will be badly affected, so I would urge every producer to give them half a day’s salary for the duration they won’t be shooting. They are our families and we can’t function without them. This is the least we can do to look after them. We have already promised them paid leaves if they are unwell, but with the shutdown coming into effect, we should help them sustain in these difficult times.

— Benaifer Kohli, producer of Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain!
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A decision has been taken to stop all shoots, but other factors like telecast and ratings are still under discussion. A decision will be taken after a meeting between the producers and broadcasters, which is slated to take place soon. For now, we are working at breakneck speed to create a back of episodes. On March 30, we shall a take call on the next course of action after analysing the situation.

— Sumeet Mittal, producer of Shubharambh
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The health and safety of our team members are of paramount importance. I am not even taking into consideration the monetary loss or ratings. All that is secondary when it comes to human lives. In fact, along with the broadcaster, I have postponed the launch of my show, Anupamaa. For now, I have a bank of fresh episodes of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, which will last for a week. At a time like this, we can’t have double standards. We can’t have our families stay safe at home and expect the unit to work. I am sure the broadcasters and producers will devise an alternate plan for their respective shows. We can’t have fresh episodes and reruns going on air together.

— Rajan Shahi, producer of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Yeh Rishte Hain Pyaar Ke