MUMBAI: The covid19 outbreak has affected all industries globally and the entertainment industry is one of the worst hit amongst them and lockdown 4 has started. The industry stopped shooting proactively, much before the national lockdown. Speaking about the aftereffects of Covid and how the industry should react, ace producer Rajan Shahi shares some valuable pointers. The man who has made shows like Bidaai, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Yeh Rishte Hai Pyar Ke says, "For the last one year the industry is suffering financially. There have been issues with the revenue as shows were going off air due to bad TRP and new shows were taking time to come. Now Covid19 has really made it bad. I sincerely feel the attitude of people has to change. The nature of our work is erratic, seasonal and temporary so respect the work which you have in your hand. This is something I have always told my team. You never know what might happen tomorrow. Overnight Covid19 has changed everything. From the top actor to the industry to the top technician to the top producer - all are on the same boat now. So when you are working do with honesty and dedication.” 

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He adds,”There are so many people who are telling me how badly they want to start working on the sets. Value and respect for work is something people should stick to now. This industry has taught me to be flexible and adaptive. You can’t be rigid all the time.  You should adjust in new environments in a positive and proactive way. Our industry is also about what you project and not what you live on. In my experience I have seen so many actors specially the newcomers who gets success and then they show off. Many times it has been noticed that they are spending more than what they are earning in the hope and expectations that they will get more work. One should lead a lifestyle which you can continue no matter whether you have work or not.  Because post covid19 when the shows will start there will be lot of uncertainties. Many current shows will be axed and the popular shows will take time to reconnect with the audience. New show will have a long waiting period. I have always told my team - save a penny for the rainy day. Save the money for the time when you will have no work. Importantly, this virus has taught us how little we need to survive. Value for life, value for real relationships are being reinforced.”

(Also read: Rajan Shahi’s new show Anupama goes on floors; conducts havan on the sets )