EXCLUSIVE: JD Majethia OPENS UP on dealing with broadcast issues as Maha Govt stalls shoot amid COVID rise

As India battles the second wave of COVID-19, the Maharashtra Government has imposed ‘stricter restrictions’ to contain the spread of the virus. CM Uddhav Thackeray yesterday announced a ‘curfew’ from April 14 (8 PM) to May 1 (7 AM). Touted as a ‘mini-lockdown’ only essential services are barred from the curbs. With this, the entertainment industry has also come to standstill once again. The shootings will remain closed for 15 days

Last year owing to the pandemic, shootings of films, serials, shows and advertisements remained closed for almost 2 months. Now, with COVID yet again affecting the entertainment industry, we at Bollywood Bubble spoke JD Majethia, Chairman of Indian Films and Television Producers Council (IFTPC). He opened up about how the entertainment industry is prepping to cope with the halt, his request to Govt, losses that will be incurred and the broadcasters’ take on the situations.

Ask him how things will move forward as shootings won’t take place, JD Majethia shares, “This is not a lockdown of four months, the lockdown is of around 15 days. Some might have a bank of 2 to 3 extra episodes, apart from 4 to 5 general ones. So, in two days, we have 10 episodes. So, out of 12 episodes, it is about repeating a maximum between 10 to 12 or 15 episodes. And some people will still try to shoot, jo bohot key show hai , they can go outdoor and shoot as well. However, for me, just going outstation and shooting for 2 weeks is not advisable, because you’re not aware of the situations there. Right now, there is a nationwide lockdown ruling over our heads, the scenario is not good everywhere.”

He is looking forward to coming to a consensus with the Government and request them to continue the shooting process. “Simply, we would first look at approaching the Government because they have allowed construction workers to work at sites. So, we will ask them, if we can keep our crew on the sets and continue shooting. If they don’t permit this, then we will respectfully obey their decisions as it is not a stretched lockdown. Undoubtedly, it is affecting our business, work, workers’ income and more,” JD Majethia shared his plan of action.

?Guidelines for containment & management of COVID-19 ?#BreakTheChain
(13th April 2021) pic.twitter.com/p6lQ3KMlFi

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However, the fear of losses is looming around, and it is undenibale. “There are definitely many challenges, but lives are more important. The priority first is life, second is health and third is a livelihood. So, we will surely try to talk to the authorities, if they deem fit to allow us to carry on shooting, we will, otherwise we will stand by them,” he told us.

Ask him about the loss that might be incurred to the industry, he said that they will find out the estimated loss once things get clearer. He is also hopeful that these curbs will not extend to more than the said period.

The Chairman of IFTPC feels ‘Entertainment industry must be considered as essential services.’ He reiterated, “The authorities want people to stay indoors, but the janta is unhappy, frustrated and stressed. And all this leads to depression, and we have to fight this. Entertainment services become frontline workers to do away with sadness and we become essential services in such situations.”

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