Comedy tough in a pandemic, but laughs a must
For actors, who are trying to make audiences laugh with their antics on the screen, it’s essential to keep their fears at bay
It’s not easy to make people laugh, more so in trying times like these. And actors who are shooting for comedy shows admit that the fear of the virus, combined with the change in shooting culture due to safety protocols, is affecting them.
Shubhangi Atre aka Angoori of Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hain! shares that evoking laughter during a crisis isn’t easy. “Earlier we’d spend time together, improvise and have fun. But now, we just come, get ready and start shooting as we need to create a bank of episodes. There’s a constant thought of not touching anything or going near anyone while performing. But, we also need to deliver well as punch lines, expression and timing are crucial factors in comedy. Thankfully, our script makes things easier,” she tells us.
Echoing the sentiment is actor-comedian Krushna Abhishek, who recently shot for his show The Kapil Sharma Show. He agrees that getting “into the mood of it” is tough. “I even fumbled a bit on my first day of shoot but we kind of included it as a joke. This is a tough space for everyone and your mind is not in that state,” he adds.
A performer can’t let heavy thoughts affect them so much that it shows on their face, feels actor-comedian Kiku Sharda, who says “the camera doesn’t miss anything”. Sharda, who plays various characters in The Kapil Sharma Show, explains, “Making people smile through this anxious period matters the most. The worry, fear and dealing with the new normal is a little tough but if we don’t enjoy ourselves while performing and feel the pressure, that would reflect in our performance.”
Paresh Ganatra, aka Mahendra Thakkar in Bhakarwadi, agrees, saying, “The moment I start from home till I reach the set, I remain worried. But, once I get into the costume and become my character, I keep those thoughts at bay and focus on my job. Since I love what I do, I concentrate on my performance.”
While actors opine it’s tough to create laughs when everyone is dealing with a pandemic,they try to stay focused on sets. Actor Deven Bhojani, who has done several popular sitcoms and now seen as Anna in Bhakarwadi, says the team started off with a mock shoot day so that people starting to work after 100 days feel at ease. “Nothing can take the performer away from us. I agree there’s a sense of fear. But I plan out my routine in a way that I don’t think about catching the infection and can concentrate on my performance,” he shares.
Having lived the character of Anjali in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah since 2008, actor Neha Mehta says that playing the role now comes naturally to her. And such a situation can make things difficult but not impossible.
“Our efforts are towards twisting the sadness into happiness, the way we’ve been doing for so long. Bahut siyaape aate rahenge, par hum nahi rukenge,” she sums up the sentiment.