Behind the Silver Screen: The Unsung Heroes of Bollywood
In the realm of Bollywood, we often associate it with dazzling actors, enchanting music, and picturesque locations. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a great impact on the lesser-known professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
The COVID-19 pandemic has cast a shadow over the livelihoods of spot boys. With film productions disrupted, sets closed, and strict safety measures in place, these silent movers and shakers have found their work and income severely impacted. They face uncertainty as they wait for the industry to recover, and their dedication to keeping sets running smoothly is more crucial than ever in the face of ongoing challenges.
“We are supposed to pay off our rent, maintenance fee, our children’s school fee, electricity bill, milk bills, and water bills. These are certain things in life that we need in order to survive and can’t cut off. However, due to lack of work, I’m unable to pay off most of my bills during the pandemic,” says Deepak Malakar in an April 2021 interview, who works as a spot boy in Mumbai.
Assistant directors, the glue that holds film productions together, faced a shift in their roles during the pandemic. They needed to adapt to the new normal of COVID-19 safety protocols, managing schedules, and ensuring cast and crew adhered to strict guidelines. While their jobs remained indispensable, the pandemic added a layer of complexity to their responsibilities.
An assistant director named Manish Ahsiss Dubey told The Independent: “I travelled for three hours to attend a shoot, but when I reached there, we found out that our permission to shoot was denied by the government. I am responsible to take care of my mom, dad, my wife and kids in Mumbai which isn’t a cheap city. The lack of work in the Bollywood industry has forced me to take small office jobs, and other hardships,” he said.
Costume assistants had to overcome unique hurdles during the pandemic. With film shoots on hold or operating with reduced capacities, their roles changed. They had to work with designers to adapt costumes to accommodate safety measures and maintain social distancing, all while staying true to the characters’ personalities and the story’s requirements.
Makeup and hair assistants faced the challenge of implementing stringent safety measures while working closely with actors. The close contact required for their craft was redefined in light of COVID-19 precautions. They needed to ensure actors’ safety while still creating the desired looks for the characters.
The invisible backbone of the film industry, technicians, also felt the impact of the pandemic. With fewer film shoots taking place and the need for enhanced safety protocols, they had to navigate a changed landscape. Ensuring that technical aspects of filming were up to par while adhering to new safety guidelines became their paramount concern.
The world of Bollywood may have been synonymous with glamour and stardom, but the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the lives of those working behind the scenes. Spot boys, assistant directors, costume assistants, makeup and hair artists, and technicians have faced unique challenges and adjustments. Their dedication and adaptability during these challenging times are a testament to their resilience. As the industry strives to recover and adapt to the new normal, it’s essential to recognize and appreciate the often-unsung heroes who continue to define the art and craft of Indian cinema, even in the face of adversity.
