Film, TV shootings affected by Bharat bandh

The opposition sponsored 'Bharat bandh' called to protest price hike in petroleum products today cast its shadow on the Mumbai film and television industry with several shootings being cancelled as a precautionary measure.

Many film shootings were called off in Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari (Filmcity) while in Filmistan Studios there were no shootings scheduled for the day in view of the bandh, sources at the studios in suburban Goregaon said.

Similarly, shooting of daily television soaps scheduled in suburban studios in the metropolis and neighbouring Thane district were also affected.

Spokespersons of Star TV and Colors said shooting of their shows have been put off during the bandh period as a precautionary measure. However, the night shooting will be as per schedule.

Federation of Western India Cine Employees president Dharmesh Tiwari said shootings at several locations could not take place as film crew could not reach there.

Meanwhile, actors Anupam Kher and Bipasha Basu shared their concern over rising prices.

"Rising prices are alarming! Its time the (sic) govt made by the people, starts working for the people.But. can a Bharat bandh solve anything?," Bipasha who is in Diu with Ajay Devgan for shooting of Akrosh tweeted.

Kher said his driver Sabir called to tell that he won't report for duty today. When the actor asked for reason, the driver replied, "Sir price rise is not affecting this government but it is affecting me".

The veteran said he agreed with his driver's sentiments.