After Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and other shows' cast test Covid positive; TV producers are ready with their alternative plans

The week gone by has been a difficult one for the television shows like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Kasautii Zindagi Kay2, Ek Mahanayak Dr BR Ambedkar, Mere Sai, and Bhakarwadi. A few cast and crew members of the show had tested positive for COVID-19. As per the guidelines, if a person tests positive on the set of a TV show, the shoot has to be stalled for three days. (By Akash Wadhwa)

With an increasing number of shoots being halted, albeit temporarily, because of COVID-19 cases, the makers are all set with their back-up plans. (Photo: Instagram)

The makers are ensuring that they shoot and create a bank of as many possible episodes they can in advance. Binaifer Kohli, producer of shows like Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain, says, “We need to be prepared for the worst. So, our teams are working day and night to build a huge bank of episodes. Thus, even if an actor tests positive, the telecast of the show will not be affected.”(Photo: Instagram)

Mamta Yash Patnaik, the producer of Ishq Mein Marjawan 2, agrees, “We have built a bank of episodes to last two weeks in case of any unfortunate incidents. We are following every safety protocol on the set, but the virus is extremely unpredictable.”(Photo: Instagram)

Apart from creating a bank of episodes, Shashi Sumeet Mittal, producer of Barrister Babu and Shaadi Mubarak, has devised another back-up plan. She shares, “I have created a week’s bank of episodes. At the same time, we have also asked the writers to be ready with alternate tracks that can be shot in case any of the main actors test positive for COVID-19.”(Photo: Instagram)

Saurabh Tewari, the producer of Pinjra, says, “Since I have launched my show in times of COVID-19, my preparation has been very different. I have roped in a strong ensemble cast and introduced several parallel tracks. God forbid, even if any one actor tests positive, the show will go on.”(Photo: Instagram)

Amid the coronavirus scare, and no vaccine yet available for the pandemic, many television actors decided to quit the show, thus leaving the makers in a hassle of signing new actors and introducing new tracks. For instance, there are rumours of Parth Samthaan quitting Kasautii Zindagii Kay and he had tested positive of coronavirus in the previous month. In his absence, the makers had to introduce a different track. Saumya Tandon, who was a pivotal part of Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain also bid adieu to this sitcom a few days ago. This challenges the writers of the show and everyone to continue the show without interrupting the entertainment factor for the audience.(Photo: Instagram)

The TV industry was shut for three months as the actors and crew members are the most exposed on the set. After a long battle between the industry bodies like CINTAA, FWICE with the government, and agreeing to all the guidelines, the industry finally resumed and is adhering to the instructions laid down upon them. (Photo: Instagram)