Actors made to work 18 hours without food and water

Mumbai - The actors stated that they were made to work 18 hours a day

Alleging inhuman treatment meted out by the producers of the television show 'Aisi Deewangi... Dekhi Nahi Kahi' on Zee TV, the lead pair Jyoti Sharma and Pranav Misshra are said to have quit the show.
According to Bombay Times report quoted by NDTV, the actors stated that they were made to work 18 hours a day without food and water, affecting their health immensely. They also accused the producers of forcing them to work in spite of being unwell.
"We have been exploited since the beginning of the shoot in January 2017. We have been working for 18 hours each day. There would be no food, tea or even water during these extended hours. The environment is so negative that we don't wish to continue on the show," Jyoti was quoted saying.
While Pranav said, "We have been treated worse than animals. As per the guidelines, a 12-hour break between two shifts is mandatory. However, we have reported back to the set within five hours at least 250 days in a year. Both Jyoti and I have undergone stress test as advised by CINTAA (Cine And TV Artistes Association), and we have been diagnosed with depression, stress and anxiety."
Jyoti injured her back while performing a stunt as no safety measures were taken. "In a scene I was supposed to fall on the ground and the director had requested for a mattress. However, the unit failed to get one and I had to fall on an uneven stone-laden ground, injuring my back in the process," Jyoti said.
Citing another inhuman incident, Jyoti said she was stuck in a room filled with smoke while doing a fire sequence and lost her voice. She was hospitalized and was advised bed rest for four days, however she was forced to report the very next day for the shoot.
CINTAA general secretary Sushant Singh said, "We have seen contracts of the lead pairs with the production house and they are nothing short of bonded labour. The medical reports state that the two actors are under severe stress and depression, and they have been prescribed medication. This is a glaring example of the inhuman working conditions faced by our members," he said.
While one of three producers said the actors have not quit the show. "There could be a technical issue, but nothing more. I haven't been contacted by CINTAA yet," he added.
 

• India