Dada-dadi, nana-nani to go missing from family dramas on TV, senior artistes ask 'Who will take care of our expenses?'

The shoots of TV shows are all set to resume next week. However, the Government Resolution (GR) mentions that no cast or crew above the age of 65 should be allowed at the site keeping in mind their health safety, owing to the ongoing corona scare. Does it mean that daily soaps will do away with the adorable and lovable dadi-dada or nana-nani, who have been an important and inseparable part of them? (By: Neha Maheshwari)

Bharati 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." (Photo: Instagram)

Bharti Achrekar further says: "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.” (Photo: Instagram)

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.” (Photo: Instagram)

Producers hope to find a solution soon to work with senior artistes, who play pivotal characters on their shows. Asit Kumarr Modi, the producer of 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah', says, “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? (Photo: Instagram)

Asit further says: "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.” (Photo: Instagram)

BN 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. (Photo: Instagram)