MUMBAI: Looking at the surge in the COVID-19 cases, the government of Maharashtra announced a statewide lockdown from April 13 onwards. Earlier they had announced a night curfew and weekend lockdown, but the rising number of cases made them impose a 15-days lockdown in the state, and with that came the announcement of shootings to be stopped for films, TV and advertisements. Here's how the celebs from the entertainment industry reacted to it:
Hasan Zaidi: It's definitely a test of patience and perseverance, a test that requires us to be positive. A loss of time, money, momentum and routine, but it should not be a loss of your inner positivity. I'm sure it's not an easy decision even for the government, wherein there are thousands of factors they have to weigh in, in terms of health care, it's logistics, administration, law and order, peer pressure, and the economic fallout. It's a catch 22 situation. As an industry as much as we can, we should support our producers and especially the daily wage workers. They are affected the most. The entertainment industry might be the softest target, but it is also the strongest, most secular in fabric and an undying force. A force that can make you laugh, raise your awareness, and be the biggest tool to progressive change, keeping memories alive. And holding any plot of reel and real life together. Take this time to prepare better in terms of your craft and over and above all in terms of your approach to life. Stay positive and test negative.
Nivedita Basu: It will be a major setback as the industry supports a major variety of people. Be it hair makeup artists, photographers but also the root level people like extras, light men, dress men, dadas etc. who depend on the industry for day to day living. The government has to do what it has to. All I would say is that once every thing resumes again we should be very careful with our freedom and take all precautions to curb the spread.
Prateik Chaudhary: The show must go on but not before health. As we all know COVID cases are increasing rapidly, especially in Maharashtra, so I think the government had no other choices rather than imposing lockdown again. I guess it's for our own good. Work is necessary but health is more important. Hum rahenge toh kaam kar payenge, correct? So I guess we should follow government rules and regulations properly and wait for the government's next decisions like a good citizen of India. Jai Maharashtra.
Priyamvada Kant: It is disappointing actually, but something needed to be done to control the virus. However, I feel imposing strict rules would have done the job too. We already had a night curfew and a weekend lockdown, all we needed was some strict action and it would have saved us. The show must go on, but health is most important. I think it's a good move but looking at the results from the last lockdown, I think we could have done much better by imposing strict guidelines. I am only worried about the daily wagers, because it's going to be very difficult for them. But now let's hope we all stay healthy, overcome it together, and start work soon.
Pritam Singh
I have nothing against the government and I can understand that these restrictions would help us. But sometimes I feel that the government handles situations as per their convenience. Why are religious gatherings being held? What’s happening in states holding elections? BMC fines people like us but ignores how many have gone jobless, theatres could not function in full swing, producers have lost out on a lot of money etc. All sectors are suffering. Everything went standstill last year, and the future also looks bleak. It’s a very difficult and dangerous time for everyone.
Sshrey Pareek
This is yet another difficult time for the entertainment industry, much like other sectors that would get affected by this lockdown like restrictions. But the government had no other option but to implement this janta curfew to control the infection from spreading. We have to stick together, follow rules and stay safe. This time we are stronger than before. We know what we are facing and also have an understanding of how we can deal with it. It will be a setback for sure but simultaneously we cannot ignore the situation. We have to fight harder and let nothing stop us.
Delnaaz Irani
It's an extremely sad situation but I think the decision taken by the Maharashtra government is completely justified because we are left with no other option. It’s like a catch 22 situation, if you go out for work you run the risk of contracting the virus and spreading it too, but if you don’t step out then you lose out on your income. Par jaan hai toh jahan hai. So be careful, act responsibly and follow all the rules set by the government. My web series and film got pushed and I lost out on some more projects. It does make you sad but then we all are on the same boat. We have to be patient, be hopeful, and stay safe, everything will fall into place. A lot of producers tried to work things out in spite of people testing positive on the set, but we cannot run away from the situation and have to face it. But we will definitely come out stronger.
Nikkiey Chawla
We can’t help it but follow government orders because what they have done will only save us. And it’s not just our industry that is shut down, but other industries too are facing the music. Other than worrying or cribbing, we must all follow norms, understand the gravity of the situation and act like responsible citizens by following all norms. I am worried about daily wagers and would request everyone who can to stay by them. We have to control the spread now for a better tomorrow or else the situation might turn worse. I would try and entertain my fans via social media till I am allowed to step out for work.
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