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‘Hailing from UP was never an obstacle in my career’
The pandemic made us realise the importance of taking care of the planet. Resources are limited but consumption is a lot. To begin with, disposal of masks is something I know needs to be
The biggest lifestyle change I’ve made is moving away from goods that are packaged in plastic. I had cut down on personal plastic, in terms of water bottles. Of late, I discovered there are ethical beauty brands that are organic, cruelty-free and don’t package the products in plastic. Instead, they believe in paper packaging, which is recyclable.
Small changes in our daily lives can really go a long way in having a positive impact on the environment. I’ve made certain changes like using bamboo toothbrushes. I believe in conserving water as and when I can, using eco-friendly products, and most importantly, making my friends and family aware of the changes they can make, too. I’m also avoiding the use of plastic bottles.
Last seen in shows like Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hai, Excuse Me Madam, Jijaji Chath Par Koi Hai and web series Chattis aur Maina, actor Tushar Rungta says hailing from Uttar Pradesh was never an obstacle in his career.
“Initially I had this perception that the industry is not a place for people who hail from small town. But once I reached Mumbai luckily never felt like this at all. Instead, I feel it’s more about being talented and skilled in your craft,” said the actor of digital short film Aakhri Panna.
The 21-year-old feels on reaching the city of dreams he never gave up till he found work. “After reaching Mumbai, I was auditioning constantly till I got a break with Bhabhi Ji… followed by more shows. Soon I met known director Saumitra (Singh) sir and then joined him as an assistant. That was a turning point for me as assisting him helped me to understand the craft well, both as an actor and a director. Now, I know well about camdone properly. Cut the strings and dispose them, so birds and animals aren’t harmed. Also, cut down on plastic, that’s a big nono now. I’d request everyone to make these small changes, it begins with each one of us.
I think I’ve become a more conscious shopper. I take a moment to weigh all the options. I check if the product I intend to buy is easily recyclable. Is it water efficient? Where was it manufactured? What were the circumstances of its manufacture? And only then decide if I want to buy it or not. era positing, lighting and other technical aspects.”
Tushar is happy with his latest release Chattis aur Maina and feels all his hard work is paying off. “I joined a local theatre group in Gorakhpur for a weekly play staged on a small scale. That stint helped me learn a lot in terms of acting. Without paying a penny I trained at Rang Ashram. Today, thankfully after much effort they are about to have its very own auditorium soon. Then, I reached Delhi as I always wanted to train at National School of Drama but since I was not a graduate it was not possible. Instead, I did a year’s diploma from Himachal Drama School,” he said.
The actor was busy with a shoot when the lockdown happened and came back to his hometown. “A lot of work is on hold but we have been called back so I will be in Mumbai soon. Hopefully, once again the work will restart.” said the assistant director of short films like Painful Pride, Kala Bai from Byculla along with soon to released Bang Bang with Sharib Hashmi and Taxi No.24 with Mahesh Manjrekar.
Actor and green crusader Dia Mirza says even small measures by individuals can
go a long way in helping
the environment
I’ve shifted to organic, from skin care to hair care brands, cutting down on chemicals and using cruelty-free. It’s my mum’s natural way of being. When I started focusing on it, I realised most of her housekeeping habits kept the environment in mind. Waste segregation has been the norm at home. I’ve also shifted to glass, no plastic.
Text: Rishabh Suri