Jasmin Bhasin Sidharrth Sipani Sharad Malhotra Priyamvada Kant
My opinion: The government has taken this decision keeping our safety in mind. Even after repeated announcements, people were not taking any precautions and the virus has spread badly now. The cases are increasing, deaths are increasing, so this decision has been taken only to protect us. This is for our own good. But this also affects the daily wagers who are dependent on a daily income. However, our industry has always ensured that the show must go on and that’s why a lot of shoots have moved out of Mumbai. We have found a way to function, but all this is happening only so that we stay safe. I think we will have to continue with this until the lockdown and then follow the government’s SOPs like we did in
June last year.
What did you do last lockdown?
Last year, I was in Mumbai and followed all the restrictions. I slept well, ate well and rested well.
POA this lockdown?
This year, things are different as currently I am in Jammu at Aly’s (Goni) home. The Roza month is going on so there is a positive buzz in the house. I should be back in Mumbai only after the lockdown is lifted because shooting is not happening now. I am also trying to stay away from social media news as at times it is depressing to read anything about Covid. I am also trying to keep myself calm because panicking is not helping the situation.
My opinion: Most GECs having faced immense losses last year during the national lockdown as there were no shootings for three months. But this time when the lockdown happened again, the producers did not want to stop the original content and thus, a decision was taken to fly the entire cast and crew of TV shows outdoors. This is the best thing the industry could have done, and I am wholeheartedly in support of this initiative. This is not an easy option for them as well — just think of the expenses they all are baring. But as the famous director-actor, the late
Raj
Kapoor has said, ‘The show must go on’.
What did you do last lockdown?
Last lockdown, I was at home and I spent a lot of time with my wife Ripci. We cooked together, watched series and movies. We spent a lot of quality time together.
POA this lockdown?
This lockdown also, we will be doing the same. We can’t panic and increase our stress levels. I will be attending a few virtual work calls. Also, I have a new family member — my pet Leo so there will be no more boring times at home.
Delnaaz Irani
My opinion: It is like we are back to square one. The decision by the government of Maharashtra about the lockdown again is completely justified because we have no other way out. It is a tough situation as when people go out to work, they’re trapped with corona and if they sit at home, they will stop earning. I have also lost out on a web series, which was just about to start — the dates have been pushed back because of the lockdown — in fact even a film which was going to happen got pushed back because of the lockdown. So, everything is so uncertain. But I just feel that in all this — like last year how we came out as stronger human beings and everything fell into place, it will do so this time too. Hope to see our mayanagari buzzing with shooting vibes again.
POA this lockdown?
I will be pretty much doing the same thing as what I had done last lockdown — spending time with Percy and my mom. I will try to stay positive and will stay away from the daily news because that can be disturbing.