As the country adjusts itself to the “new normal” during Unlock 1.0, television serials are all set to resume shootings by adhering to guidelines and new protocols issued by the government in Maharashtra. Channels like Star Plus, Zee TV, Colors TV and others are expected to resume shooting of their shows within a week. However, many celebrities have not agreed to shoot at the moment due to risk of Covid-19. Issuing a Government Resolution (GR), the Cultural Affairs Ministry said that producers will have to conduct pre-production and post-production works by adhering to the guidelines.
Now, under the new guidelines, only 33% of cast and crew will be allowed on the set. Make-up and hair artists will have to wear PPE kits. Whatever materials they will use for make-up should be used once. Actors above the age of 60 years will have to sign the confirmation letter of their willingness to come to work. Child actors below the age of 10 years are not allowed to come on set and shoot. Terms and conditions will be applied to every member of cast and crew. And if not followed then strict action will be taken against them as per the orders.
Meanwhile, members of the entertainment industry including producer Ekta Kapoor, actor-director JD Majethia, filmmaker Ashoke Pandit have expressed their gratitude towards Maharashtra government for the decision.
Shooting for films and other production activities have remained suspended since mid-March due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As of now channels were running old series of Ramayana and Mahabharata which gained good viewership.