Producers’ association requests Maharashtra chief minister, BMC to set up vaccination centre for its members

The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) has written a letter to Maharashtra chief minister Uddhay Thackeray and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) requesting them to set up a vaccination centre for its members, the cost of which it is willing to bear. The body has also announced that it will provide financial aid to its members. 

A statement by IMPPA president TP Aggarwal highlighted the importance of producers and shed light on their miseries. It read, “Unfortunately, the underbelly of the film industry which is the backbone of the entertainment industry which consists of the producers who are the ones paying for the entire show and work going on for which they beg and borrow to complete their film and in more than 90% cases the producer loses his entire investment and everyone forgets about his existence and he has to somehow survive the day to day vigorous of life (sic).” 

Highlighting the idea of providing financial aid to its members, it also read, “In view of the financial hardships being faced by our members IMPPA has once again decided in its meeting dated 9 May to provide financial relief directly in their bank account immediately after receiving their application for relief provided by IMPPA. The amount would be Rs3000 that will be deposited in the accounts of its members.” 

Last week, producer and filmmaker Aditya Chopra launched the Yash Chopra Saathi initiative to provide financial assistance to help daily-wage workers affected by the pandemic. He also announced a vaccination drive for the 30,000 daily-wage workers. IMPPA, in its letter, has appreciated such efforts on the part of film industry insiders.