Being an actor in pandemic needs courage, says Flora
Actor Flora Saini readily admits that stepping out for work — especially being on a film set — is “scary” amid the ongoing pandemic. However, she’s quick to add that it’s also necessary, especially in a profession like hers, which is so “unstable”.
Saini explains, “After twoand-a-half years, work has just picked up. If this did not happen now, I would still be at home. In these two years, many people did a lot of homework, and that has paid off. Now, everyone is jumping in and making so much [money], which is good since we don’t have a 9to-5 job. We’re self employed.”
The 42-year-old asserts that one has to be “really brave” to be an actor in today’s times. “Aapko koi pension nahin milti, job security nahin hai. One job gets over, then you’re freelancing, unless you really make a name for yourself early on. In 9-to-5 jobs, with experience, your pay scale increases, yahan thoda ulta hai,” she quips, hinting at how senior actors don’t get as much work.
The actor, who has starred in films and web shows like Stree (2018) and Gandii Baat, further notes that the industry doesn’t solely work on merit. There’s a lot more that’s taken into account, she says, hence, it’s all the more tough for actors.
“You have to take rejections, as one can’t fit in every project. Then to be told that you are not good enough is not easy to deal with. There’s so much that goes on, it’s not just hard work in our industry that gets you projects. Talent sab mein hai, hard work bhi sab karte hain, but looks ka kya karoge? You either have it or you don’t,” she elaborates.
On being asked how difficult it was for her during the pandemic-induced lockdown — not being able to step out, work or earn, Saini says she’s more concerned about male artistes than females. She opines, “For women, agar kuchh nahin hoga toh shaadi ho jaayegi. As a man, even if you get married, you’re the one everybody is going to look up to, for running the house. You have to go out there and earn. Even though things are changing, I am still saying that the responsibility of running a house, at least monetarily, is with the man.”