Bachchan shares work 'anxieties' as HC quashes 'discriminatory' orders on senior film, TV artistes
Mumbai: Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has expressed "anxieties" over being able to find work opportunities amid the coronavirus pandemic as a septuagenarian.
His comments came after Bombay High Court on Friday quashed the provisions of the two circulars issued by the Maharashtra government that barred TV and film artistes above 65 years of age from resuming shootings and related work during the coronavirus lockdown, terming them "discriminatory".
The Bollywood veteran, who returned home after testing negative for COVID-19 last week, said it may be "packers" for the senior workforce in the film industry as legal procedures take time to come to effect.
"There are of course many other anxieties that trouble the mind. Government authorities have stipulated that those at 65 age and above cannot go out to work... For people like me, my profession and my 78 yrs, it's packers then!" Bachchan, 78, wrote on his blog on Saturday.
The court was hearing two petitions, one filed by 70-year-old actor Pramod Pandey, and another by the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA).
According to government resolutions, while the state was permitting a gradual resumption of some activities, including shootings and pre and post-production work of films, television and OTT programmes, such cast and crew members who were above 65 years of age would not be permitted to report to work at sets or studios.
The regulations barred such artistes from remaining present in studios or on shoot sets.
The government counsel, Purnima Kantharia, told the court that the prohibition had been imposed since those above 65 were at a higher risk of contracting coronavirus.
"The Film body that formally we are all associated with did put in a counter to that in the Courts and I believe the Honourable High Court has disallowed the age limit restrictions and so for the moment those above 50 are safe to work .. but Courts and Legal procedures take time and I wonder what shall come out of it," said Bachchan.
In the meanwhile, the senior actor also asked his fans and followers to suggest alternate career options for him.
"Are there any alternate work jobs for me, that the Ef could in their kindness suggest, in case everything goes down in the Courts?" he said.
Bachchan, his son, actor Abhishek Bachchan, actor-daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and granddaughter Aaradhya Bachchan were all admitted at the isolation ward of the Nanavati Hospital here after they tested positive for COVID-19 in July.
While Abhishek tested negative on Saturday and returned home, Aishwarya (46) and Aaradhya (eight), who were initially quarantining at their home, were shifted to the hospital on July 17 and were discharged 10 days later.
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Time of renewed hope: PM Modi greets people on Gudi Padwa
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday greeted the people of Maharashtra and Goa on the occasion of Gudi Padwa and said it symbolises the triumph of righteousness over adversity.
In identical letters to the people of the two western states, Modi said that as India continues its journey towards progress and self-reliance, the essence of Gudi Padwa becomes even more relevant.
"On the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa, I extend my heartfelt greetings to you and your family. This sacred festival, marking the beginning of the New Year, is a time of renewed hope and the promise of new beginnings," he said.
The prime minister said the 'gudi' (a symbolic flag hoisted at the entrance of households) stands as a symbol of victory, prosperity and optimism.
Gudi Padwa holds deep cultural and historical significance, he said.
"It symbolises the triumph of righteousness over adversity. It is also associated with the onset of spring, the season of rejuvenation," he added.
"Today, as India continues its journey towards progress and self-reliance, the essence of Gudi Padwa becomes even more relevant," Modi said.
The values Gudi Padwa embodies are the very values that guide everyone.
"In a rapidly changing world, these traditions anchor us, reminding us of our roots and what we stand for.
"Let us carry forward the spirit of Gudi Padwa throughout the year with renewed determination and a sense of purpose. May this New Year bring happiness, good health and prosperity to all," the PM said.
