With the strong grip of the Coronavirus over the country, everyone is taking the right kind of precautions. Health advisories are emphasizing on maintaining hygiene. The television industry too has ensured that proper sanitization is done for each and every crew member. Producers of popular TV shows to know how are they handling the situation individually.
Producer Benaifer Kohli (Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan): We should take all the precautionary measures as it is a big scare. But as I also say, the scare is for people coming through flights. Nobody here has got it on its own. We have been taking precautions for so many days. It is compulsory for everyone to wash their hands at the entrance on the set. We have kept sanitizers there as well. Even while going home they have to wash their hands. I really fear my workers because in this industry people are working together around the clock. Even one room has at least 30 or more people.
Producer Amir Jaffar (Qurbaan Hua, Tujh Se Hai Rabaata) - We have got IR thermometers on set. Before the shoot starts, we take everyone's temperature and before leaving. There are extra soap dispensers on the sets now to ensure everyone washes their hands and if we see that someone is unwell, we are giving them paid leaves. We don't want anyone to worry about pay cut and not take a sick leave because of it. I will also get masks for everyone. If we are seeing anyone unwell, we are asking them to take leave. We are also supplying tea a lot more because it is being discussed that having warm water and tea is a preventative measure. We are also taking care of food hygiene and making sure it's well cooked. There also used to be non-vegetarian food, but these days for 2 weeks we will be only serving vegetarian food and ensuring it is well cooked.
Producer Rajan Shahi (Ye Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Ye Rishte Hai Pyar Ke, Anupamaa)- In all my shows set safety of cast and crew is of utmost importance. We are strictly following the guidelines...we have provided masks and sanitizers on the set. We are not letting any visitors enter without permission. Leaves are sanctioned to anyone who is unwell. We have ensured no one smokes on the set. Proper hygiene is taken care of. I have asked the team not to panic. We are being careful in all departments, so the operations are smooth.
Producer Mahesh Pandey (Vidya) - We have ensured that sets are all cleaned up and everyone wears a mask on the set. We have ordered masks for everyone and given the staff sanitizers and there are soaps on sets too. Everyone is advised to wash their hands in some time. There is a doctor who is called on set for a check-up. Anyone who has been feeling a little under the weather has been asked to take off and we haven't cut any salaries for this. Everyone has the right to get healthy and be treated well without any financial stress.
Producer Siddharth Kumar Tewary (RadhaKrishn): I believe that the most important thing to do in tackling coronavirus is to first stop panicking and take the required precautions. It is a difficult time for us but it's not impossible to fight it. We are not panicking. And now together we should aim at propagating this message to the masses so that they know that we can fight the virus through the mentioned precautions. My request to everyone is to take care of themselves and of everyone they love. We at Swastik Productions have ensured that we take all the required measures to create a safe working zone and we won't compromise on their safety.
Producer Asit Modi (Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah): The first thing we did was make everyone aware of what the virus is & what are the most basic precautions one must take. We have been advocates of Swachata & are default careful about cleanliness and hygiene both on the sets and in the office. Over and above this, the primary steps towards avoiding contact with any possible contagions is by avoiding handshakes or other physical contacts. We are asking everyone on the sets to wash their hands regularly. Considering the reach and impact of our show we will soon be spreading awareness about the same in our upcoming episodes.”
