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Show me the contract!
There's mayhem in tellyland with no proper contract system in place. So, what's the solution?
Recently, a group of TV actors were thrown out of the serial Twinkle Beauty Parlour. This is not the first time something like this has happened. From throwing actors out, to the stars walking out of serials without any notice, the world of television has seen it all. The problem: lack of a proper contract system. Says actor Rajev Paul who was thrown out of Twinkle..., "How can actors be dumped without prior notice? What about the contract we signed?"
But producers say they are helpless. "We are content providers and have to make changes as per the demand of the channel airing our serial. That's probably why the contract system hasn't been effective," says producer Shristi Arya. She says as producers, even they face huge losses when an actor suddenly walks out.
Having bound contracts would help both the actors as well as the producers, says actor Rohit Roy. "The TV industry has grown so much in the past few years. Keeping this in mind, we need to get it organised in a more efficient manner."
Despite the recent boom, the industry still runs on the spoken word. "If a producer calls an actor for a serial and if he likes the role, we often discuss remuneration on the phone and start working," says Rajev.
Non-payment of dues is another problem that actors face, as Rohit points out, "A producer still owes me around 3.5 lakhs for a serial I did called Tujh Pe Dil Qurbaan."
However, very few actors or producers actually approach the Cine and TV Artist's Association to sort out their issues. That's because it takes a very long time. "I have approached the actors' association for my money, but even though the proceedings are on against the producer, he has no show on air right now that we can stall," says Rohit. So, is there a solution to this problem? Actor Ketki Dave, who left Kyun Ki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi years ago after she had a difference of opinion with producer Ekta Kapoor, says, "We need to have a concrete contract system in place and all have to abide by it." Rohit adds, "Actors have to be more careful while signing a contract. A person wronged must come forward and fight his case, be it an actor or a producer." Says Nigaar Z Khan, "The onus is on each individual. A contract must be honoured. That's the only way to get our TV industry more organised."
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