FULLCELEBSUPPORT TO21-DAY LOCKDOWN, WITH COURAGE Casting and script narrations go online
Stars encourage fans not to panic and follow all safety protocols
From casting directors taking online auditions to filmmakers connecting with scriptwriters and actors through conference calls for ideation and script narrations — the show goes on behind the scenes in showbiz. Especially for those working from home after the lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
For 10-15 days now, auditions have completely gone digital, according to industry insiders, and given the 21-day lockdown period announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, it’s likely to be the way forward till the curfew ends.
Casting director Mukesh Chhabra, who’s currently working on a web show, apart from yet untitled movies of Anubhav Sinha and Hansal Mehta, shares that it’s important to keep everyone’s safety in mind. “So, we take briefs from the director, make a shoot list, prepare the reference takes and share it with the actors, who then shoot their audition videos and share with us via Whatsapp or email.”
Some casting agents also opine that virtual auditions work best especially for actors who reside in other cities.
Anmol Ahuja, founder of Casting Bay agency, is all for the digital route amid ‘social distancing’. He says any work that can be done without stepping out of home, “like database management and coordinating with the director or actors”, is on without any hassle.
“We’re taking online auditions for two of our films, and also telling actors to utilise this time to hone their
An anonymous saviour feeds the four stray dogs in our building and the ones down the street, as well. He brings rice, chicken and other packaged food for Rihanna, Snowy, Zoe and Lucy, and then drives away in his car,” says Pooja Bhave, 27. The ‘saviour’ she is referring to is 47-year-old Krishna Yadav. A driver by profession, Yadav has been feeding the strays in Bandra East for nine years now. “After I get done with my shift, I head out to feed the dogs. I make 72 packets of rice and chicken, sometimes I throw in a chicken foot or two,” he says, admitting that he only feeds dogs and doesn’t have the budget to feed cats, as yet.
After a successful #JanataCurfew on Sunday, followed by a lockdown in many states till March 31, it was time for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to share yet another big news. On Tuesday evening, he announced a 21-day lockdown across India to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic. Soon after the announcement, several celebrities took to social media to hail this ‘tough yet timely’ decision.
They urged people to abide by guidelines set by the government and not spread needless panic by crowding streets and shops. Highlighting the fact that essential services remain operational, they appealed to all to act responsibly and help stem the spread of the virus. skills, prep for their next and watch a lot of films,” he adds.
Even directors are cool with this idea of online auditions and casting. In fact, they’re making the most of this time to ideate.
Hichki (2018) director Siddharth P Malhotra says, “I’m casting through casting directors, with auditions selfshot by actors from home. I’m also conducting meetings on Google Hangouts where we have script sessions. So,
And twin sisters Priyal Priyanka Shah (above, left to right) took inspiration from friends abroad, who reached out to the elderly in their vicinity. Since a few days prior to the government-imposed lockdown, Priyal says they have been volunteering with the elderly and providing refreshments to their building’s helper staff. “A lot of senior citizens are without helper staff now, as the latter has gone to their respective houses. We get them groceries, medicines and even drive them to the temple,” says the Malabar Hill resident.
A COMMUNITY APPROACH
From random acts of kindness in their vicinity to reaching out instead of physically meeting writers, we’re doing this to follow the health protocol and not letting work suffer.”
Filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar, too, feels “work must go on”, and cautions that in a crisis like this it’s important to stay safe and work from home as much possible. “We’re doing regular video conferences and narrations while at home,” he continues, “Also, we’re prepping for everything, so when we resume work, we’re ready. Real work will only start once the situation normalises.”
Like many corporate o people via social media, good samaritans have brought out the generous spirit of Mumbai even in these tough mes. When some of us are busy stockpiling, non-profit organisations such as SNEHA are working to improve health care facilities for women, adolescents and children in slum communities and metropolitan regions. “In addition to our regular health counselling, we have over 500 staff and consultants working from home, reaching out through over 8,000 communitybased volunteers, to pass on information on Covid-19,” says Vanessa D’souza, CEO of the organisation. Admitting that internet connectivity is still a problem, D’souza adds, “We have reached out to Maulanas of mosques in Malvani, and requested them to reach out to the community to create awareness on Covid-19.”
After Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address on professionals who believe the new era is about working from home, director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari says one has to find ways to help them utilise time and resources better. With a background in the advertising sector, she is using her “experience of three-way video conferences to discuss ideas across countries”.
The Panga director, who had to postpone the shoot of two of her ad films, adds, “We need to make best use of this time and not sit and say, ‘I don’t know what to do and how to do it”.
We take briefs from the director, prepare reference takes and share with actors, who share audition videos with us. MUKESH CHHABRA CASTING DIRECTOR
the night of March 24 — extending the lockdown in the state to a three-week pan India one — non-profit organisation Project Mumbai got a flood of volunteers. Through their outreach programme, the organisation is doing home deliveries of medicines, while some volunteers are also providing home-cooked meals to senior citizens in need. They also have 50 trained counsellors, working pro bono on call. Shishir Joshi, CEO of the organisation, says, “The curfew has restricted our movement but citizens’ responses have been positive.” Just like their tagline — which reads Mumbai ke liye kuch bhi karega — they reinforce the spirit of Mumbai.