The creative community has been at the receiving end of the pandemic. It has been
brutal for them. No shootings of films or even series on OTT platforms or
tiatrs for several months. Many have been reduced to asking friends or contacts
for financial assistance.
Espirio Santo Fernandes better known by
his stage name Spirit said he was struggling now. He said “We have had no jobs
for two years. I am stuck at home. There are no shows and all the theatres are
shut. It is really bad for me and others like me in the industry. I call up my
friends and ask them for money. I promise to pay them when the action commences
and they have indulged me. I will repay all of them in time. I tried some
online marketing and the company folded and I lost money. I hope it turns
around. This cannot continue for too long”. Heartrending words from a guy who
is considered Goa’s own Charlie Chaplin.
Tapan Acharya actor and now promoter of a
Goan OTT platform said the pandemic had been really bad with artists,
technicians and film crew in bad shape. We hear so many stories of people
around Goa as well as in Bollywood living hand to mouth. Others have lost their
savings. Last year there has been no consistency with regards to any shootings
happening. Many have not been able to light the fire in the kitchen. All these
people fall in the unorganized sector. This entire industry works on freelance
basis.
Noted choreographer Shagufta Ali was
reduced to seeking help on Twitter. She was eventually helped out by Rohit
Shetty”. He went on to say that since the industry was small in Goa it was very
difficult to do something concrete. He said the fate of tiatrists was even
worse. He said people had to realize that the people who entertained them
during the good times were now begging and needed assistance.
Ben Engavelist an actor in tiatrs said he
had guest rooms which were given out on rent but with the current state of
affairs, they were empty. He said “My wife works in the panchayat so there is
money coming in. It’s not enough but other tiatrists are in really bad shape.
We all miss our platform. It was great support for us. I am praying for it to
start again. The government has announced some help. Let’s hope for the best”.
Tony de Ribandar who has several hit Konkani songs to his name
said he was living off his savings and some money he would occasionally earn
from YouTube when people watched his songs. He ended by saying it has been a
very difficult time.
Willy Silvera said he was surviving because his wife had a job
and he had some savings. He was considering starting a business like being a
labour contractor. It was something he was considering seriously because as he
put it this pandemic had taught him it was important for artists to have
another avenue to earn revenue otherwise they would be reduced to begging. He
said “When the tiatr starts, you can be your own boss and go for practice
instead of depending on the whims of your boss when you work in a company”.
Meena Goes who is also a beautician was now reduced to staying
at home and living off her savings. She said “I have not been on stage for a
year and half and it hurts. I am aware the government is providing assistance
but what is Rs 6000 but then I suppose you take what the government is giving.”
Meenachsi Martins, a noted actress who has starred in Bollywood
movies said the last 15 months have been extremely difficult financially for
everyone. She said “Those in creative circles with per day payment, have been
hit the worst. There is no work and no income. However, there are family
members to support and loans to pay. Some can survive on savings hoping for the
nightmare to end. Many are too dignified to ask for help, but there are many
who call to ask for money, even as small an amount as 1000 rupees.
Recently artists in Goa have asked the government to consider
and lend a helping hand. No work will start, more so, with the pending fear of
the third wave of COVID 19.
The situation is getting more and more tragic and humiliating.
There needs to be some way of sorting it out”.
But
some did keep their chins up. Not everyone sounded as depressed. Sonam Morajkar
said she had done nothing apart from reading a lot more books. Something she
did not do earlier. She said “I learned to be positive. I read several
self-help books and it has certainly helped me. I have learned to be more
positive, if it does not happen today then it will happen tomorrow. As an actor
I lost three big projects, it’s ok. Nothing can stop me. There is a right time
for everyone and it will come for everyone. If it does not then you make it
come.” Excellent attitude undoubtedly.
