It gets a little awkward: Sharad on work getting back to virtual mode
With all kinds of shoots stalled in Maharashtra and other states, several actors had to take the virtual route to fulfil their work commitments, yet again. Actor Sharad Malhotra, too, has been working from home and admits it does get a bit awkward at times.
“This whole work-fromhome phase started last year. I’m part of virtual script sessions, contracts are being made virtually... it does get a little awkward. Though we’re left with no other choice, this can work only for the moment and can’t be a permanent solution,” says Malhotra, adding that, “It’s always better to meet people in person.”
However, the actor, who was last seen in Naagin 5, has no complaints against the shootfrom-home scenario. “Now we’ve got used to it... At the moment, we just can’t afford to step out; we’ve to stay home and stay safe,” he asserts.
As work meetings continue and Malhotra is also reported to have signed his next show, he is hoping to get some sort of good news in terms of resuming shoots next month. “We’re actors, all we want is to get back on set. I’ve been constantly working all these years and it gets difficult to stay at home. How many movies and web series can you watch? How many calls can you make? I hope things open up soon; we’re expecting normalcy early next month,” he shares.
While acknowledging that things are “upsetting, depressing and gloomy”, the 38-year-old says he is staying positive and taking care of his health, especially since he battled Covid-19 last year. “The virus has mutated. So, it’s more intense. We need to follow protocols — stay at home, maintain hygiene. As a Covid survivor, I’ve to be more careful. My wife (Ripci Bhatia) and I got our first dose of the vaccine. I’ve been advocating immunisation on social media and requesting everyone to get their jab at the earliest. That’s the only way we can fight the virus. The majority of the population needs to get vaccinated,” he emphasises.