Price of fame

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The face of the tv industry (TOI Photo)

The television industry has undergone a total change



Fame and success always come with a price. And, our television stars have learnt that the hard way. There are few other professions which are perhaps as demanding as being an actor in a daily soap. Behind the flashy facade is often an over-stressed actor whose rigorous shoot schedules have, many a time, taken a toll on his/her health. Says Niyati Joshi, television actor who is currently working in the serial Saat Phere,

The television industry has undergone a total change. Compared to what it was four-five years back, it is totally ruthless today. There is cut-throat competition. As most of the serials do not have an episode bank, actors are forced to work, despite accidents or illnesses. Producers see to it that the shooting continues.

Does that mean the television industry has become merciless and lacking in compassion when it comes to the health and well-being of actors? Take Twinkle Bajpai, who met with a serious accident on the sets of Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyann.

Despite having injured her legs badly enough to be unable to stand, she continued shooting as the show didn't have an episode bank. Instead of rushing her to the hospital, unit members simply propped her up on a chair to complete the shoot.

There are many such examples of actors fainting on the sets due to unusually long work hours, resulting in physical and mental stress. Sayantani Ghosh, who plays Kakul in Ghar Ek Sapna, Gazal Rai from Left Right Left, Ram Kapoor aka Jai Walia from Kasamh Se, Saakshi Tanwar, who plays Parvati in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, and Ashlesha Sawant, who plays Tara in Saat Phere, are some of the actors who have fainted on the sets due to rigorous working hours resulting in excessive fatigue.

And, it's not just actors, but technicians, and even directors, have suffered due to the harsh ways of the television industry. Popular small-screen director Sapna Joshi says, The current scene is bad. And, it is not restricted to just actors. Technicians and directors are suffering, too.

Such things have happened on my sets as well. In fact, the director of Love Story had a heart attack on the sets and passed away. But, who is to be blamed for it? We are forced to shoot day in and day out. If an artiste falls sick or has an accident, the whole script has to be reworked. Once, an artiste had an attack of vertigo on my sets.

We reworked the script. Then, another actor fell ill, and we had to rework the script once again. It was a pain. Earlier, making a soap was very simple, as there were just weekly episodes which required only 10 to 12 days of shooting.

But, 16 episodes take 40 days to shoot. Such a thing is bound to happen. It is happening everywhere and no one can be blamed for this scenario.

But, there are always two sides to a coin. Says Niyati, As crores of rupees are involved, episodes have to be completed on time. Sometimes, although the actor has had an accident or has fallen ill, they themselves prefer to complete the shoot to avoid the wastage of time and money of the producer. Also, in some cases, actors take up too much of work for the money.

Actor Gaurav Chanana agrees that, at times, it's a matter of personal choice. Nobody can force an actor to work. The actor has to decide whether he is fit enough to work. In Twinkle's case, it was an adult taking her own decisions, says he. Chanana feels ruthlessness in the television industry is nothing new.

Says he, It is a jungle out there. Such things are bound to happen where there is insecurity and cut-throat competition. Television industry is just like the corporate world.

It is a choice one has to make, really. Fame and money are there undoubtedly, but is it worth compromising on one's health? Our television stars need to decide that.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/TV_Buzz/Pri ce_of_fame/articleshow/2408935.cms