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 jabardasti 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 says 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 says.

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 the 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 the help, how will we help?” she asks.

And therefore, she 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,” Pahwa concludes.