A PERFECT DIVIDE Maharashtra government’s guidelines say no member above 65 is to be allowed on the sets, but experts find the idea ‘impractical’
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Last week, a number of TV shows went back on floors with all the precautions against Covid-19. Hindi films, though, are yet to follow suit. But even as filmmakers/ TV producers work towards following all the guidelines issued by the Maharashtra government, makers are in quandary over one particular point that no cast/crew member above the age of 65 years is to be allowed on the sets/shooting areas.
Earlier this month, Indian Film and Television Directors Association (IFTDA) wrote a letter to Maharashtra chief minister, Uddhav Thackeray seeking reconsideration of the said guideline. Another film body, Indian Motion Pictures Producers’ Association (IMPPA), too, wrote to the chief minister. Last week, IFTDA again sent a letter to the government “regarding the permission for the persons above 65 years to work.”
Although the guideline is yet to be modified, IFTDA president, Ashoke Pandit is “confident that permissions will come in.” He says, “The government has been extremely helpful with regards to all our requests. This point doesn’t just impact actors but so many technicians, as well as labourers etc. But I am sure this will be worked out soon. It could be an oversight.”
In fact, the IFTDA letter goes on to mention several names of actors and directors such as Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Paresh Rawal, Mithun Chakraborty, Shakti Kapoor, David Dhawan, Subhash Ghai, Javed Akhtar, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and many others, who are all 65 plus and are “actively working in the industry.”
“Why just actors or directors? There’s an entire army of cast-and-crew. What if I have a light-man or someone in the costume department, or a driver in that age bracket? Honestly, it would be difficult to work with such a directive,” says filmmaker Shoojit Sircar.
Director Anees Bazmee concurs, saying, “A number of our prominent actors as well as technicians are above 65. Technically, in Indian films, we have so many grandfather or grandmother parts. What will happen to them?”
For actor-politician, Paresh Rawal — who turned 65 last
month — the guideline is “purely impractical.” e adds, “I am sure the overnment will have to alter it.” Dhawan, on his part, also feels that “like everyone else, 65 plus actors and technicians should also be allowed to work.” The Coolie No. 1 director says with a smile, “Unlike regular jobs, there can’t be a retirement age for creative people. But I am sure the government will allow them [65 plus actors and technicians] also to work.”