By Anil Merani: The New Zee TV show Vasudha’s no phone policy, which requires the artists to lock their phones in their rooms and prohibits them from carrying them to the floor, has disastrous consequences for its actors.
The show was hardly on the floor last month, and this policy has already seen actors being left in the dark regarding the health of their near and dear ones. This has affected not only the actors’ performance but also the overall production of the show.
Barely has the dust settled after Vasudha’s main face Nausheen Ali Sardar’s elder brother, passed away due to a heart attack, and Naush came to know four hours later.
Now comes the news that the show’s negative lead, Pratiksha Rai’s mother, suffered a heart attack two days back, and she too came to know a few hours late.
” My mother lives alone, and I have lost my father, so I am responsible for her health. “
“I am thankful to god that I had trained my mother to seek help in my absence if she felt uneasy. She reached out to my neighbour, who got her admitted to a govt hospital, unsure of our financial status,” says Pratiksha, who had done negative roles in other shows, such as Apna Time Bhi Aayega, Balika Vadhu 2 and Titli
” I only managed to meet her today since I was denied leave yesterday, and the hospital has strict visitor hours. I had to plead for today (28th September) off, sacrificing my work for my family’s well-being.” added she
“I can’t fathom this insensitive rule. How can they deprive us of an essential service like a mobile phone? It’s as if we actors are being treated like slaves and animals, not respected professionals.” says she.
“This law only applies to the actors. Other unit guys carry their phones on set. “
” I don’t buy the production house logic that mobile use leads to indiscipline on set. I do not think any actor will use the phone while a take.”
Going on a hurt, Pratiksha says “The entire TV industry is stacked against us actors. The contracts are one-sided. We slog for 14 hours daily (12 hr is just on paper). The payments are meagre, and most of us fall in line, for others will do the same for free. No wonder actors end up committing suicide or getting divorced because the stress gets too much to handle.”
“I might face the heat for speaking out, but I am speaking the truth
However, I wish to add that this problem is industry-specific and not limited to one production house. Life is better for artists in web shows
I have no problem with Arvind Babbal’s production except for the phone issue. My mom could have died! I am glad she is recovering. I further wish to thank my Vasuda co-stars who tried to can my scenes quickly so I could leave,” says she
She also lamented the need for more unity among actors in putting up a joint defence. Some known actors throw tantrums (no action is taken), and we have to bear the consequences later.