Updated: August 9, 2020 3:48:13 AM
Amitabh Bachchan wrote on his blog, “For people like me, my profession and my 78 years are packers then!” (Photo: Amitabh Bachchan / Blog)
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has expressed “fears” about being able to find work opportunities in the coronavirus pandemic as a septuagenarian. His remarks came after the Bombay High Court on Friday ruled in favor of the two circulars issued by the Maharashtra government that barred TV and film artists over the age of 65 from re-launching shots and related work during the coronavirus lockon, and they called it “discriminatory”.
The Bollywood veteran, who returned home last week after testing negative for COVID-19, said it could be “packers” for the senior workers in the film industry because legal proceedings take time to take effect.
“There are, of course, many other fears that cause problems for the mind. Government services have determined that those aged 65 and over can no longer work … For people like me, my profession and my 78 years, they are packers! Bachchan, 78, wrote on his blog on Saturday.
The court heard 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 allowed a slow return of some activities, including shootings and pre- and post-production work of films, television and OTT programs, such cast and crew members who were over 65 years old not allowed to report to work at sets as workshops. The regulations prevent such artists from staying present in studios or on shoot sets.
The government lawyer, Purnima Kantharia, told the court that the ban was imposed since those over 65 were at a higher risk of contracting coronavirus.
“The film body to which we are all formally affiliated opposes that in the courts and I believe the Honorable High Court has rejected the age restrictions, and so for the time being those over 50 are safe to work .. but Courts and legal proceedings take time and I wonder what will come out of it, ”Bachchan said.
Meanwhile, the senior actor also asked his fans and followers to suggest alternative career options for him. “Are there alternative jobs for me that the Ef could imagine in their kindness, in case everything falls in the courts?” he said.
Bachchan, his son, actor Abhishek Bachchan, actor-daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and grandmother Aaradhya Bachchan were all admitted to the isolation ward of Nanavati Hospital here after testing positive for COVID-19 in July.
Read also | Abhishek Bachchan discharged from hospital, Amitabh Bachchan thanks guards
While Abhishek tested negative on Saturday and returned home, Aishwarya (46) and Aaradhya (eight), who were initially quarantined at their home, were transferred to hospital on July 17 and discharged 10 days later.
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