‘SHOOTING WAS CHAOTIC BEFORE, NOW QUIETER’

Today, on his birthday, Maniesh Paul wants to spend time with his loved ones

There used to be a sense of chaos on set, before the pandemic, and that has gone missing with the Covid-19 crisis taking over our lives, feels actor Maniesh Paul, who’s spending his birthday with a wish of going on a hugging spree soon.

“I did a couple of shows recently, and everything has changed. The shows happen with chroma background, the audience is not there. It’s a different game altogether. All the artistes have to get used to a new decorum and working style,” admits Paul, who turns 40 today.

He shares how everyone was used to a “rush”, with so much happening all around, but now “it has become quieter”.

“We’d have people chitchatting, spot dada, light men, someone talking outside while shooting was going on inside.

The energy on the set has definitely gone down,” says the actor, who is known for his hosting gigs.

Then there’s fear of the virus. “We look at each other, want to give each other a hug. But we don’t. My vanity van used to be a mohalla, but now we’ve to take care. We’re trying to cut the entourage. If we take care for some time, things will get better,” says Paul, who made his acting debut in 2013 with Mickey Virus.

Ask him what he misses the most, and he’s quick to reply: “Hugging people”. And that’s his birthday wish.

Birthdays are an emotional affair for Paul, who says he does not believe in resolutions. “I will spend time with my family and close friends. This is the second year where we will not be partying for two reasons. First, we’ve to take care of protocols. Second, I don’t feel like partying. I can’t be so selfish that I’m having a great time when so many are still suffering,” adds the actor, who will soon resume shooting for Jug Jugg Jeeyo.

It is a different game altogether. All the artistes have to get used to a new decorum and working style. MANIESH PAUL, Actor