Showbiz bears brunt of Coronavirus outbreak
The Coronavirus is spreading rapidly around the world, and has reportedly infected more than 89,000 people globally. India, too, has confirmed six cases, including one in Delhi. With this threat looming over the country, a number of big-ticket events in the India and around the world have been cancelled and many attractions such as Disneyland and France’s the Louvre museum have been shut down.
American R&B singer Khalid, who was set to tour Mumbai and Bengaluru in India in mid-April, has cancelled his Asia tour. “Due to the recent advisories and travel restrictions in several Asian countries, Khalid will be postponing his upcoming tour of Asia, including his India concert,” said a statement.
Last Friday, the Grammywinning group, Green Day, released a statement expressing their disappointment for cancelling their Asia tour. “...due to the health + travel concerns with Coronavirus,” it read.
Reportedly, Deepika Padukone called off her plans to attend the ongoing Paris Fashion Week. Meanwhile, film shoots in India have been affected, too. The shoot of Sitara, starring Sobhita Dhulipala, has been cancelled in Kerala due to the scare in the state. The schedule was supposed start from February 12. Shankar’s Indian 2 was supposed to be shot in China but later, they decided to shoot in Italy. There is no word on the same following outbreak in Italy. Meanwhile, celebrities who cannot avoid travelling, are being cautious and using face masks.
According to rumours, Varun Dhawan and Natasha
Dalal, who were planning to get married in May in Thailand, are looking to change the destination.
Actor Aahana Kumra, who will be performing her play, Dekh Behen, in Mumbai this month, says, “It’s too early to say anything. Our show will be held at Royal Opera House and I don’t know how many people will turn up.”
According to line producers and a police source, no major shoot is due to happen in the coming days in Delhi, and no schedule was cancelled. Line producer Tarun K Jain says a French team was due to shoot a web show in Jaipur but have cancelled their plans.
Delhi-based film distributor Joginder Mahajan says while the film business in the Capital has been low since the past few months over burning political and religious issues, the Coronavirus concern could further scare the audience. Considering the advisory that people must avoid crowded places, Mahajan comments, “Who wants to take the risk? People might reduce visits to theatres for sometime.”
Meanwhile, China is an important market for the Indian film industry — not only for film releases but shoots as well. Trade analyst, Atul Mohan says, “All events in China and Hong Kong, including film festivals and major releases have been postponed till April. Good Newwz was supposed to release in Hong Kong on Feb 14, but I hear that it has been postponed..”
Last week, Aamir Khan sent a video message for his Chinese fans. He said, “Since I read about the outbreak of Coronavirus over there, I have been extremely concerned... I have been following this tragedy with a lot of pain in my heart... these are very difficult times... the best we can do at this time is to take care and take precautions.”