Soni Razdan calls for Vaccine access for Actors

Veteran Bollywood actress Soni Razdan has demanded that Covid-19 vaccines be available for actors.

Her words come amid the recent spike in Covid-19 cases in India.

Currently, only those above the age of 60 and those between 45 and 59 years of age with health issues are eligible for the vaccine.

However, Razdan, mother of established Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt, believes that vaccines should be made available for all actors.

Soni Razdan’s comments are in reply to a social media post by Indian businessman Suhel Seth.

He believes that Covid-19 vaccinations should be open to everyone.

FOR GOD’S SAKE, OPEN VACCINATION FOR ALL. WHOEVER WANTS IT SHOULD GET IT! WHO IS THE GOVERNMENT TO PRIROTISE WHICH PROFESSIONS ARE MORE VALUABLE THAN OTHERS? THESE ARE INDIAN LIVES WE ARE TALKING ABOUT.

— SUHEL SETH (@Suhelseth) March 17, 2021

In a tweet posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, Seth said:

“FOR GOD’S SAKE, OPEN VACCINATION FOR ALL. WHOEVER WANTS IT SHOULD GET IT!

“WHO IS THE GOVERNMENT TO PRIORITISE WHICH PROFESSIONS ARE MORE VALUABLE THAN OTHERS? THESE ARE INDIAN LIVES WE ARE TALKING ABOUT.”

Replying to Seth’s tweet, Soni Razdan stated that actors should receive the Covid-19 vaccine due to being constantly exposed to the virus when working.

So many actors get COVID and are at huge risk when working. I mean we actually can’t wear masks. But no one seems to think they need to be able to take the vaccine yet ???????

— Soni Razdan (@Soni_Razdan) March 17, 2021

In her reply, she said:

“So many actors get COVID and are at huge risk when working. I mean we actually can’t wear masks.

“But no one seems to think they need to be able to take the vaccine yet.”

However, netizens did not take well to Soni Razdan’s comments and hit back, saying the acting profession does not need to be prioritised.

One Twitter user replied to Razdan, tweeting:

“It’s not a crucial profession to be carried out on a daily basis.”

However, Soni Razdan disagreed, saying that all professions should be held in equal regard.

She said:

“It’s a profession nonetheless. People need to work right.

“Others can do so wearing protection but actors are the only people who cannot! And so…

“Oh, and every actor isn’t a huge superstar…so those who are whining on about that can keep shut. Stop watching content then.

“It is made with great risk to the concerned actor’s lives.

“Being at the top of one’s profession can’t be a disqualification for a vaccine. Jeez.”

Clearly, other Twitter users did not see the logic in Soni Razdan’s demands, with one user highlighting her privilege.

Don’t work unless you get vaccine , you already have enough money aunty ji

— Dr Kshitiz choudhary?? (@dr_shitiz) March 17, 2021

He said:

“Don’t work unless you get vaccine, you already have enough money aunty ji”

Although Soni Razdan’s daughter Alia Bhatt recently tested negative for Covid-19, multiple actors in the Bollywood industry have contracted the virus.

Alia Bhatt’s boyfriend and actor Ranbir Kapoor is currently self-isolating after testing positive.

Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai and Arjun Kapoor have also had positive tests in the past.