MORE ON-AIR SHOWS TO FACE COVID-19 HEAT?
With shootings yet to resume, TV channels have to make tough calls
With no shoots in over two months now, many TV shows have been affected. Over the last few weeks, Nazar 2, Beyhadh 2, Ishaaron Ishaaron Mein and Patiala Babes had to be taken off air.
Makers and channels admit it is a tough time. Sony, which decided to take three shows off air, said in a statement: “Isharon Isharon Mein, Beyhadh 2 and Patiala Babes are finite fiction shows and the nature and the pace of the narrative is time-bound. Given that all shoots have been stalled since March, owing to the unprecedented situation we are in, these shows couldn’t shoot their logical ends... keeping best interests of all in mind and in joint agreement with the producers, it has been decided to terminate these shows, as of now.”
Actor Mudit Nayar, who was in Ishaaron… says he understands, but is ‘obviously upset’ as it was ‘abrupt’. “The units will be shorter now for future shows, and members cut down to half. I am sure the shows which are doing well, channels will back them up, but the ones whose standing costs are not worth it, will be taken off. I don’t think it’s the channel’s mistake. There’s no certainty on when shoots will resume,” he tells us.
We asked Colors about its shows. A source says, “We’ve stopped airing them as there is no bank. But all will be resumed, none are off air.”
Producer Rajan Shahi, who is behind popular shows such as Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke, says such calls are taken by both, broadcaster and maker. “As of now, no such calls have been conveyed to me. I am cautious, working towards seeing how we can keep the brand of our shows alive,” he says. Asked how the crisis will affect current on-air shows, he explains, “Advertising rates have gone down, it is going to be difficult. Broadcasters have to be selective about the kind of shows being retained. Existing telecast shows will be under scrutiny every week, not every month.”
Actor Ashish Chowdhry, who was a part of Beyhadh 2, says he’s ‘totally in agreement’ with the people who called off shows, including his own. He reasons, “TV shows are a habit, which everybody is used to watching every day. That habit once broken, there will be uncertainty. It’s a dicey situation for the producer. For all you know, there will be a Beyhadh 3 soon!”
Producer Binaifer Kohli, who is behind shows such as Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain!, says the future looks “little bad”, but
Indians “can overcome any problem”. “Shows have standing costs, like sets, salaries of people. When it all started, the channel said it will pay technicians for a month. Then it got extended to two months. Now, the monsoon will start, and diseases like dengue will compromise the health of people,” she reasons.
Reports doing the rounds say two more shows — Dil Jaise Dhadke.. Dhadakne Do, which airs on Star Plus, and Star Bharat’s Kartik Purnima — will not return after the lockdown ends and shoots resume.