Jyoti Sharma and Pranav Misshra from Aisi Deewangi quit show, allege harassment

Lead couple of television show, 'Aisi Deewangi Dekhi... Nahi Kahi', Jyoti Sharma and Pranav Misshra have quit the show citing inhuman treatment and harassment from the production team

Jyoti Sharma and Pranav Misshra quit the show 'Aisi Deewangi... Dekhi Nahi Kahi'. Picture Courtesy: Instagram/pranavmisshra.

Lead couple of television show, 'Aisi Deewangi…Dekhi Nahi Kahi', Jyoti Sharma and Pranav Misshra have quit the show citing inhuman treatment and harassment from the production team. A Bombay Times report states that both, Jyoti and Pranav conveyed their concerns to the show's makers in the first week of January, and also agreed on serving the two-month notice period. The report further adds that the lead pair has also approached Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA) to intervene in the matter.

Talking about the yearlong contract with the show, Jyoti told the daily, "We have been exploited since the beginning of the shoot, which commenced in January 2017. We have been working for 18 hours each day. There would be no food, tea or even water during these extended hours. Even though it would get late, they never checked on how I was commuting alone at that hour. There have also been times when I have been called back mid-way, to shoot. The environment is so negative that we don't wish to continue on the show."

The actress further gave some shocking details from the show. She added, "There are no proper safety measures or consideration for the cast. I have been suspended in the air with a unit member holding the harness. I could have fallen. On another occasion, I had to fall so the director requested for a mattress to cushion the fall. However, the unit failed to get one and I had to fall without it on an uneven stone-laden ground. I hurt my back in the process. Another time, there was a fire sequence and the only window in the room was covered, as we had to shoot a night sequence. I was inside the room, which was filled with smoke. I was throwing up incessantly. I even lost my voice and had to be hospitalised."

Jyoti has also said that despite being sick, she was asked to report on duty the following day. "While my doctor advised bed rest for four days, I was made to report to the shoot the very next day and had to scream during the shoot. We have nothing against the channel and in fact, are grateful to them for the opportunity. The problem is with the production house and the inhuman treatment meted out by them," added the 'Aisi Deewangi…' actress.The male lead, Pranav said, "We have been treated worse than animals and are traumatised. Just a day ago, I reported to the shoot despite being unwell. As per the guidelines, one needs a 12-hour break between two shifts. However, I can vouch that we have reported back to the set within five hours at least 250 days in a year. Both Jyoti and I have undergone stress test as advised by CINTAA, and we have been diagnosed with depression, stress and anxiety."

General Secretary, CINTAA, Sushant Singh, told the publication, "We have seen their contracts with the production house, and they are nothing short of bonded labour. The medical reports clearly state that they are under severe stress and depression, and they have been prescribed medication. This is a glaring example of the inhuman working conditions faced by our members. However, we are obligated to hear both sides of the story, hence any further action will be taken only after the due process. Our Care Committee member Nupur Alankar visited the set and spoke to the producers. We will convene a meeting with all parties concerned and take every necessary step to alleviate the actors' suffering."

On the other hand, Jatin Sethi, who is one of the three producers of the show, said, "I am unaware of any such development; these are just rumours. Pranav and Jyoti are shooting with us. There could be a technical issue, but nothing more. I haven't been contacted by CINTAA yet."

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