Reactions have started emerging from the Indian entertainment world regarding the ongoing tension between countries like Iran, Israel and America. Meanwhile, veteran actor Gajendra Chauhan, while talking to IANS, openly expressed his opinion on the current international situation.
Gajendra Chauhan expressed concern about Middle East
Gajendra Chauhan, who became a household name by playing the role of Yudhishthir in Doordarshan’s popular show ‘Mahabharat’, said that any kind of war affects the entire world and the film industry also cannot remain untouched by it. Speaking to IANS, Gajendra Chauhan said, ‘War is always destructive. Its impact is not limited only to the countries that are directly involved in it, but also to the surrounding areas and trading partner countries.
Taking the name of countries like UAE, Gajendra said, ‘Many Bollywood actors, singers and production houses often go to the Middle East for shooting, stage shows and concerts. In such a situation, when the atmosphere becomes bad, fighting or tension increases, the first thing that happens is that entertainment related events are canceled or postponed. This has a direct impact on the artists and the team working with them and they have to suffer financial losses.
‘War directly impacts the country’s economy’, Gajendra Chauhan
He further said, ‘War directly impacts the country’s economy. As the situation worsens, oil prices increase and inflation also goes up. Making films is already an expensive task. This includes the expenses of travel, luggage, location and a large team. In such a situation, when petrol and diesel become expensive, the cost of commuting and transportation increases, due to which the cost of the film also increases.
If the situation becomes worse, theaters may remain closed for some time, tickets may become expensive and shows held abroad may get cancelled. Big stars may be able to handle this loss, but it affects small artists, technicians and people working on daily wages the most.
Bad conditions affect shooting
Gajendra Chauhan said, ‘Only an atmosphere of peace takes art and creativity forward. Only when the society is safe and the situation is stable, art and culture can progress properly. But in war-like situations, fear sets in the minds of people, which affects their work as well.
He said that due to increasing tension in the Middle East, there are reports of cancellation of flights. This causes problems not only to the aviation sector but also to the artists and film units who travel frequently. Delay in shooting, cancellation of shows and uncertainty also increase mental stress.
The film industry has seen many difficult times
Regarding the collaboration between Hollywood and Bollywood and shooting at foreign locations, he said that economic and political situations are interconnected. If there is an economic shock across the world, it impacts the film industry as well. He reminded that the film industry has seen many difficult times before, be it economic recession or pandemic.
Every time this industry has changed itself and found new paths. OTT platforms, low-cost films and new thinking can show the way in the times to come. According to him, this industry has the power to overcome every difficulty on the basis of its strength and creativity.
