Covid-19 crisis adds on to aspiring actors’ woes
Ever since the lockdown was imposed, all businesses, including the Hindi film and television industry, have been affected badly. And no shoots means no work for the actors, junior artistes, technicians and several others. For the struggling actors, who depend on the money they get from daily assignments, the situation is worse.
Rupesh, a casting coordinator, reveals the real situation. “As of now, these aspiring actors are facing the rent problem. Given that none is sure when the lockdown will end, most of them will go back to the pavilion,” he tells us, adding that most of these newbies either stay in PG accommodations or rent apartments together.
Sachin Sharma, who has been trying his luck in showbiz for over three years now, says it’s very “difficult to survive right now”. “I’ve been auditioning for lead roles and was supposed to do some TV shows too. But the lockdown happened. I live in Andheri, and have to borrow money from my parents,” says Sharma, a native of Jharkhand.
Since many of them went back to their hometown, in a few cases, only one person is left to bear the burden of the expenses. Vikram Krishnan, yet another actor, says that his society in Andheri was sealed due to Covid-19 positive cases. “My roommate went back home ever since the lockdown was announced. I have to survive mostly on the groceries I had since March 22. When we need milk, we need to tell the police officers here, and they announce to ask if anyone needs anything,” he says, adding that the payment for his previous assignments is still due. Then there are actors who got stuck in Mumbai, and couldn’t make it back to their homes. Manuj Nagpal, wanted to go back to Punjab, but says, “I got stuck here. I have done one show, and two regional films. Everything is expensive, including fruits and vegetables. If the price increases even more, it will be more difficult for me. I don’t know how much other people have saved.”