No shooting for films, serials in Tollywood till March 30

Kolkata: All sort of shooting for films, TV-serials and web series in Kolkata has been suspended till March 30 to check the spread of COVID-19.

The final decision was taken after a meeting at Nandan, in which the state Sports and Youth Services minister Aroop Biswas, representatives of Eastern India Motion Pictures Association (EIMPA), West Bengal Motion Picture Artists' Forum, Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India and top brass of different channels were present.

Biswas said that the decision has been taken unanimously to ensure safety of people, as it is the first priority. There will be a review meeting on March 30 in which further decision will be taken. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will also hold a review meeting on March 30 to assess the situation in the state in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak.

Film Director Raj Chakraborty, who was also present in the meeting, said that it is the channels who will be taking decision on telecast of TV-serials.

Arindam Ganguly, General Secretary of the Artists' Forum, said: "We are now more concerned with the situation and the step has been taken as precautionary measure considering the wellbeing of the people in the industry. Steps have also been taken to assist artistes who recently went for shooting overseas."

Thousands of people are involved in the film industry, including technicians and supporting staff who receive payment on daily wage basis.

Meanwhile, with directions to avoid gatherings to avoid spread of the disease, entry to various tourist spots across the state including Gorumara, Chapramari and Neora Valley has been restricted.

South Eastern Railway has decided to cancel a set of trains including Duranto Express between Howrah and Mumbai on March 24 and 31, Howrah-Digha-Howrah Super AC Express on March 20 to 31, Puri-Santragachi Special on March 20 and 27 and Santragachi-Puri Special on March 21 and 28.