The entertainment industry is self-evolving and people are getting a glimpse of “humane side” of their idols, according to Aaditya Thackeray, Maharashtra’s Minister for Tourism, Protocol and Environment. He was in conversation with Anant Goenka, Executive Director of The Indian Express group, on Day 3 of E-Frames. Mr Thackeray added that previously, people would only see the glamourous side of film stars and celebrities. The rise of social media has now allowed them to see the hard work and stress that goes into the making of their alluring lifestyles. Mr Thackeray also said that the rise of VOD services has provided additional insights.
“Entertainment is self-evolving and can be consumed on the move. During election campaigns, I often watch cricket games on Hotstar.”
COVID-19 in Maharashtra + India-China tensions
The conversation moved onto the Maharashtra Government’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis, tensions between India and China and the role of the press. Mr Thackeray said that Maharashtra’s cases were high because of the focus on aggressive testing, tracing, identification and isolation. He added that social media played an important role in helping deal with the crisis. “People who I never knew would tag me in their Twitter posts [about others in distress]. That was quite helpful because we could help them,” he added. On the current India-China crisis, Mr Thackeray said that was a “need to reassess and hold back” on sponsorships and endorsements from China. He added that the Maharashtra Government had put on hold investments from China and was in constant touch with the Union Government on the matter.
“When it comes to matters of national interest, we have to
stand together as one country.”
Migrant crisis and Maharashtra’s response
Then to the government’ handling of the migrant crisis and the emphasis on jobs for locals. When asked about his party’s stand to give preference to locals, Mr Thackeray said…
“If two people have the same skill set and one of them is a local, then he should be given preference. Otherwise, we are not averse to giving jobs to those who come from outside [Maharashtra]”.
He said that the government provided accommodation, three meals a day and train tickets to the 6 lakh migrants who worked in Maharashtra and wanted to go back home. He added that the government was working on a plan to bring them back so they could resume work and contribute to the state’s economic growth.
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