FOR HOW LONG CAN YOU LIVE IN FEAR?: AKSHAY KUMAR
The star has got back to the sets – amid the Covid-19 pandemic – for multiple ads and films; says everyone has to return to normal life, though with precautions
Trust Akshay Kumar to do the unthinkable. So, even as others ponder over resuming work in the Covid-era, the star is already out and about, doing what he does best – working. In May, he shot for a Covid awareness ad. Last month, he shot for seven ads within about 10 days. This month, he will fly to the UK to start work on his next film, Bellbottom. In October, the shoot of his Aanand L Raidirected film, Atrangi Re will resume. And on Monday, Kumar announced a new film, Raksha Bandhan, as a special dedication to his sister, Alka Hiranandani. It will team him up again with Rai. Kumar, who is also slated to start shooting for his debut web series in 2021, will next be seen on the big screen in Rohit Shetty’s Sooryavanshi, scheduled to hit theatres this Diwali. He talks about restarting work amid the pandemic and his special equation with sister, among other things.
You are the only star/actor, who has resumed work in a big way. Aren’t you afraid?
Of course, I was, but for how long can you live in fear? Initially, when the pandemic started, very little was known about the virus – the way it affects a person. So, there was a lot of fear. Now, with time, we know more and also that it’s possible to beat it if we’ve a good immune system. Hence, I decided to get back to work taking all the precautions, not just for me but the entire unit.
Do you feel when a big star like you restarts work, it sends a positive signal to everyone?
I can’t comment about other people. All I can say is that I, for one, was itching to get back to work as soon as it was permitted, and possible. I don’t think I’ve stayed away from the camera for so long and now, there’s a newfound excitement to be back on set.
Do you feel it’s high time people restarted their lives — armed with all the necessary
Aprecautions – after having been cooped up at home since the end of March?
I’ve a simple question: if not now, then when? So many people have lost their jobs [during the lockdown] and were pushed into poverty. I’m sorry but if we keep waiting for a vaccine, then, before the virus, people will get badly affected by unemployment. I think we all need to, slowly and safely, get back to normal life where a mask will be your essential companion.
What has been your family’s reaction to you stepping out?
I’m very fortunate that my family has been so supportive. They understand where I’m coming from, that one just can’t stay cooped up at home forever. Eventually, will have to step out and start working. I’ve just decided to do it before anyone else.
So many people have lost their jobs...if we keep waiting for a vaccine, then before the virus people will get badly affected by unemployment.
fter the first digital protest seeking justice for late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, #Candle4SSR held on July 22, saw participation of two million people as claimed by the organisers, another peaceful online protest has been planned for August 7. Lawyer Ishkaran Singh Bhandari, who is leading these events, says, “We request his well-wishers to light a candle at 8pm. Wear black bands on your forehead... You can also hold a placard or poster.” He says the reason for these online protests is to “channel” the sentiments of people who are impatient.
Many of Rajput’s fans have been asking for a CBI probe into his death. Gaurav Gupta, a fan from Delhi, says, “I want the truth to come out. Till it happens, I’ll continue to fight.”
Actor Shekhar Suman, who is also a part of this, says, “People are ready to come out on the streets. That won’t be the right thing in the current situation. These protests pacify them in a way and also drives the message home that we all want justice for Sushant. We might go live on the day and interact with the people. These peaceful protests are a quiet manifestation of our anger.”