Seema Pahwa bats for relief fund for struggling actors, technicians amid Covid
As the second wave of Covid-19 affects every industry and profession in some way or the other, many from the film fraternity are facing financial strains, too.
According to actor-director Seema Pahwa, as shoots have come to a halt, many are out of jobs and struggling to make ends meet.
“Every day, I call as many struggling actors as I can. Main zabardasti unko poochti hoon ki unko kuch zaroorat hai ya nahi. I ask them to tell me if they need anything, without any hesitation. Even though I do understand that it must be embarrassing for them,” she says.
Pahwa adds that this is not the time to shy away from asking for help. “This time is crucial to help each other. One must not be ashamed to ask for help. There should be no ego and no shame,” she asserts.
The Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi director adds that often, there are people who want to help, but are unable to, as they don’t know who needs help.
“I want to request friends and junior actors, technicians and others who are struggling, who are away from home, to reach out. They should seek help from their seniors and other established people. We want to help as many people as we can, but if we don’t get to know who needs help, how will we help,” she asks.
Pahwa, therefore, insists on the urgent need to set up a relief fund in aid of all those struggling without work. “This is the time when we must create a fund to help small-time actors, technicians and others from the film industry. This fund will help us overcome such trying times. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time, and I hope that we all can come together and set this up soon,” she concludes.