30 May,2020 07:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar Basu
Ali Fazal
As soon as the industry shutdown was announced, Bollywood stars joined forces with several cine associations to extend help to daily-wage workers. But little thought has been spared for theatre artistes - with not a single play held in nearly three months, actors and technicians are struggling to stay afloat. Now, Ali Fazal has thrown his might behind the initiative, Theatrewale, that aims to highlight their plight. As part of the endeavour, actor-writer Amitosh Nagpal will build a database
of Mumbai-based artistes and technicians, which will then be shared among Bollywood stars and renowned theatre personalities for financial aid.
In the first step, Fazal and Nagpal have developed a video, urging film folk to stand by them during the crisis. Fazal, who has his roots in theatre, argues that most actors in the industry owe their craft to the medium. "Yet, a stepchild-like treatment is meted out to the theatre community. It's important to stand by our fraternity in these difficult times. During the lockdown, the actors are able to be part of virtual shows. But the crew members and technicians have been rendered jobless. We need to make a start somewhere to help them. I hope more actors and filmmakers join the initiative," says the actor.
Nagpal hopes that the video - conceptualised by Maneesh Verma and him - will spread the good word, thus encouraging crowdfunding. "Artistes have stepped up to help others. But how much can they do alone? I hope people also stand by us."
Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps.
ALSO READ
Kangana Ranaut’s controversial Pali Hill bungalow sold for THIS whopping amount
Deepika & Ranveer's daughter is boon to her parents, predicts astrologer
Aditi Rao Hydari, Siddharth twin in blue at Apple's keynote event
Akshay Kumar birthday 2024: Celebs extend birthday wishes to the superstar
'Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari' team begin three week schedule in Udaipur
Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news