Actors facing financial crunches to dying by suicide: 9 Big Things that happened in the TV industry during lockdown

The lockdown hasn't been easy for anyone. While most of us have been holed up in our homes, the worries continue to exist. It has been the same with the TV industry, which has also been impacted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Here's looking at the 9 big things that happened in the TV industry during lockdown.

Shooting of all the TV shows came to a halt due to the lockdown. This led several makers to end some of the popular shows on television including Naagin 4, Patiala Babes, Beyhadh 2, Nazar 2, Dil Jaise Dhadke Dhadakne Do and Meri Gudiya. It obviously came as a shock to the lead actors. (Photo: Instagram)

The lockdown made several actors lose their upcoming projects, and led them to face financial crunches. With no clarity of the future, some of them couldn't cope with the stress and committed suicide. Sushant Singh Rajput, Manmeet Grewal and Preksha Mehta are some of the faces the showbiz has lost forever.

Due to no work, several TV actors came forward to seek financial aid from the public. Begusarai actor Rajesh Kareer sought monetary help from the public in a video where he got emotional about lack of work. He also shared how money had become a matter of survival for him. Even Sasural Simar Ka actor Ashiesh Roy sought financial help as his health woes mounted up the hospital bills. Mahabharat actor Satish Kaul also revealed his increased sufferings due to the lockdown and shared he doesn't have enough money even for his basic requirements.

Sushant Singh Rajput's demise on June 14, brought mental health at the centre of all discussion. This led several TV actors to come out and speak openly about depression and the importance of mental health. Navya actress Somya Seth said at one point she was looking out for ways to kill herself when she was depressed. But then shared that she battled the urge by reaching out to her loved ones. Ronit Roy also opened up about the phase when he went into depression and became an alcoholic. However, he shared he has corrected himself over the years. He said, "Earlier I wanted to be a star. I used to see the massive fan following Rajesh Khanna had and I was mesmerised by that. But now I want to be an actor."

It is during the pandemic that Zaan Khan and other actors of Hamari Bahu Silk raised the issue of non-payment of dues. Zaan Khan claimed they have been waiting for their dues to be cleared since June 2019. He was backed by several of his co-stars including show's lead actress Chahat Pandey who complained how making ends meet during the pandemic had become even more difficult for them. It's not just Hamari Bahu Silk actors but even Sonal Vengurlekar and Vaishali Takkar spoke about the problem of delayed dues in the TV industry.

Due to a long gap, several television actors have been replaced due to new twists in the storyline. Recently, Avneet Kaur was replaced with Ashi Singh in Aladdin: Naam Toh Suna Hoga as the actress herself chose to quit the show due to the increased risk of health issues during the pandemic.

Millions across the globe have been badly hit by the pandemic, resulting in layoffs and pay cuts. The same has been the case with the TV industry. Recently Saumya Tandon of Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hain fame shared, "It's not just me, it has happened with everybody. It is for the work that is to be done for the future, not for what we have already done, for which the payments are pending. It is because the entire TV industry has to go through some cuts."

Despite the lockdown, some TV celebs decided to get married and kept their ceremonies low-key due to the scare. Sasural Simar Ka actor Manish Raisinghan got married on June 30th at a Gurdwara in Mumbai. Actors Puja Banerjee and Kunal Verma, who were supposed to have a lavish wedding on April 15, opted for a registered marriage.

Well, there was some good news as well. Several TV celebs became parents and welcomed their little ones into the world. Actor Ruslaan Mumtaz and his wife were blessed with a baby boy during the lockdown. Mere Angne Mein actress Ekta Kaul welcomed a baby boy and Kumkum Bhagya's Shikha Singh became mommy to a baby girl.