TV frat rages over dues, threatens suicide
The Covid-19 crisis has hit several industries, and with TV fraternity crying foul over non-payment of dues, it has raised an alarm. Actor Manmeet Grewal of Aadat Se Majboor fame committed suicide at his Mumbai home on May 15 due to financial stress and lack of work.
On May 17, several artistes of TV show Hamari Bahu Silk revealed not receiving payments for the last one year, and how survival has become tough amid lockdown. In an Instagram video, they even hinted at taking a drastic step in distress if their plea goes unheard. “I might not get work after this, but I don’t care,” says the show’s lead actor, Zaan
Khan, adding, “The show’s technicians are calling me and crying that they have just ₹200 in their pockets, and truck drivers are charging ₹2,000 to take them home. Hum apna haq maang rahe hain, ehsaan nahi.”
Actor Rajesh Kumar, who shot for the show for a short period, is also waiting for his dues. “They’re forcing us to take steps like suicide. People like Jyoti Gupta (producer) are playing with lives and should be barred from the industry,” he rues.
Calling the TV industry shameless, Sushant Singh, general secretary of Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA), says that producers and broadcasters keep passing the buck when it comes to payments. “There’s a 90-day credit system but this goes on for months and years... Here, it’s a clear case of cheating that you make them work and not pay,” he retorts.
Producers, too, claim not getting money from channels. Binaifer Kohli says, “I understand actors’ concern, but suicide isn’t the answer. You reach out for help. I’ve been regularly asking smaller actors and technicians if they need anything.”
Admitting how actors are likely to fall prey to depression during a financial crisis, actor Shama Sikander urges people to not lose focus. “You need to share your problems. Talking and discussing really helps,” she says. Dr Pulkit Sharma, clinical psychologist, advises everyone to “stay calm” and warns that “if you keep thinking you have a meaningless existence, it’ll make you sad and depressed”.
SHAMA SIKANDER
You need to share your problems. When I was in depression, I used to overthink a lot, too, which is not good. RAJESH KUMAR
There’s no response from the producers on the payments. They’re forcing us to take steps like suicide.