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Report domestic abuse, urges Sandhya
Sangeeta Yadav
Actor Mahira Sharma received a lot of flak after photos and videos of her, along with modelactor Paras Chhabra, distributing food packets to the underprivileged went viral. While fans lauded their act of kindness, many criticised them for making it as a publicity stunt. But, Sharma, 22, remains unperturbed. “No matter what you do, good or bad, there will always be some people who won’t be happy. Instead of looking at the positive side, they will highlight the negative. It’s easy to do that. But, it takes a lot of courage and effort to step out of the house to help across countries,” says Shetty.
The jury will start shortlisting the films and these will be put out on various OTT platforms. “After the lockdown ends, awards will be given for various categories,” informs the actor.
Shetty, 58, has also resolved to shoot all his upcoming projects in India, in order to give more business to the domestic stakeholders. “I’ll be shooting all my projects in India and give more business to people over here. For this, I’m ideating to open the franchise others,” she adds. With over 1.7 million followers on social media, Sharma believes in making the using the platform to spread positivity. “Even if one person gets inspired by my posts and comes forward to help, why not?,” she says. During the lockdown, celebs are putting their personal lives on social media, more than ever. While some feel there’s an overdose, Sharma finds it okay. “Social media is about fan engagement. As celebs, you influence people to do what’s right, and also keep them entertained,” she says.
She reveals she’s on an “eat, sleep, workout, repeat” mode during the lockdown. “I also love playing with my cats, cooking new dishes, and watching movies and web shows,” she says. On the work front, she had offers for two Punjabi films and a web show, but “everything has got pushed”. of FTC shots across the country and every person who is going to contribute in this challenge will be our content creator.”
The actor also feels that “the industry after Covid-19 is going to be a lot different” and there could be limited films for theatres and more for OTT platforms. “Pay-per-view will come in place so that people can directly pay and watch films on their own phone or TV. There may be first day first show on the digital platforms,” adds Shetty.
Naina Arora
There has been a spike in cases of domestic violence during the lockdown, and actor Sandhya Mridul is raising awareness against the menace. She recently launched a video campaign urging survivors and witnesses to report such cases. “I read that domestic violence has gone up. It’s really bothering me. My heart goes out to those women who are locked inside at this time and can’t get out of situation. I can’t even imagine the horror,” Mridul says.
Talking about her video campaign, Mridul, 45, says, “This video is also for men who are doing this, to know that it’s not okay.”
Sharing that she is “happy that it worked”, she says, “That very day we got calls, and we sent help. In my little way, I wanted to reach out and say that we are here.”
She feels that this is the time to speak up on such issues. “This is the time to lend your voice towards issues because for me that is what is more important than just going live or to promote myself. This is not that time!” she adds.