Rajeshwar Singh ‘Raju’
“Camera Rolling…”
Director shouts, Cameraman starts camera and camera starts rolling.
“Action….”The actors start performing
“Cut…” Director roars and the take is over
And after the scene is over, it goes for editing after the entire shooting is over the production is handed over to authorities for telecast.
Now what matters is that before the word “Camera Rolling” script writer’s job is over. After the word “Cut” is finally spoken, the obligations of a performer are over. Similarly when the production is handed over to the concerned authorities for preview and is declared fit for telecast, Director and all others associated with the production are out of the job. It’s the sole responsibility of Doodarshan authorities now when to telecast the product.
But it’s a matter of grave concern that Artists, Producers/Directors, Writers, Technicians & others having worked in different capacities in so many In-House Serials/ Documentaries/ Docu-Dramas etc that have either been telecast or waiting to be telecast from Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar have been struggling hard to get their dues for a long time now. Since many of them depend entirely on whatever they earn from media, backlog for such a long duration has been posing all sorts of difficulties for them.
It is pertinent to add here that, although as per a noble scheme to boost the morale of artists of different fields, Cultural Academies, Radio Stations and Doordarshan Kendras etc. were established by Central as well as State Governments but scarcity of funds has always been the main setback that has hindered the good cause. Ironically, so called big institution i.e. DOORDARSHAN owes money to artists not only in lacs but Crores of Rupees.
As per Sanjeev Nirdosh, an eminent producer/ Director of state, “Representations have been made at several quarters for a number of times but nothing concrete has come out. We have been facing acute financial crisis as new productions have been stopped and payments are not cleared by Doordarshan authorities for previous productions that have even been telecast. Moreover the Serials/Documentaries shot after seeking prior approvals from competent authorities are also waiting for telecast for years now. Payment should be made for those productions also without further delay which is a fundamental right of those associated with such productions. But we have been forced to approach Court for our genuine due which is really sad. ”
He is very much right with his words. When official producers have accepted the cassettes after previews then it becomes the responsibility of Doordarshan to clear the dues .The artist community is much anguished that officials are not pursuing their genuine demand thus not fulfilling their own obligations as well.
When they have shot the products, why they are not giving payments? If they had financial crunch then why did they shoot the same? Who should be held responsible for such a sloppy approach which has resulted in debacle for kendras and frustration for artist fraternity?
It’s somewhat a common sense that after script being submitted, writer has the right for payment. Why should he/she wait for telecast or shoot even? Similarly when artists have performed, their role is over and why there is in payments. Same applies to technical crew and other departments of tele-productions also. In fact, when after preview the committee has approved the product, responsibility of outsiders’ ceases here. Now it’s the property of Doordarshan and may be used at their will but clearance of dues is the obligation of Doordarshan authorities. It’s a matter of distress that despite this all, the artist fraternity has been suffering for none of their faults and they have been deprived of their genuine rights for so many years now.
While summing up I will like to add here that artists are actually the face of human race as they are instrumental in carrying on the traditions and entertaining all of us. We should boost their morale so that they may perform with all peace of mind, a must for attaining perfection. In the past artists were patronized by Royal Houses or rich people and at present in a Democratic Republic it becomes the obligation of the Government to extend all possible help to them. But when artists are found struggling hard to get their dues it hurts and raises serious questions. Let us hope that concerned authorities will realize their duty and the artists will be paid their dues without further delay and Kalakaron ke Bhi Achche Din Aayenge.
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