“After being cooped up at home for six months, I was sceptical about resuming work. But after I started working, I regained my confidence. For how long can an actor sit at home and fear the unknown? One needs to get back to the grind and at the same time follow all safety norms. Also, there’s only so much an actor can do from home. So it’s a good thing that work has begun with all safety norms in place, ” says Kaushambhi Bhatt who was last seen in the National Award winning movie Hellaro.
‘Going back on the sets after six months was unnerving’
I was a bit sceptical before taking up the TV show, Indiawaali Maa as things work differently when you are shooting for a daily soap. Going back on the sets after six months was a bit unnerving at first, but as I started working all my inhibitions were put to rest. In fact, my audition and selection happened during the lockdown. Honestly, it was a tough call for me back then. But if for six months ek actor ghar baitha hai aur lockdown khatam hote hi kaam milta hai, then they should feel very lucky. Of course, working with Sucheta (Trivedi) ma’am was also a reason I took up this show, as I have admired her since my childhood. But for an actor, it is important to be seen after this forced long break.
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‘My mom’s still worried but slowly getting used to my new schedule’ While a lot of shows were getting discontinued during the lockdown, my worry was something else. Many production houses were casting actors settled in Mumbai because outstation actors would have to be quarantined which would take up an extra 7-14 days. That worried me. As I was in Ahmedabad during the lockdown, I needed some time to feel settled in Mumbai. But my production house understood this and gave me enough time to settle down. However, my mom is still worried all the time as commuting in Mumbai is an issue, but she’s gradually coming to terms with it.
‘I am looking forward to be a part of content-driven projects’
Dheere dheere kaam pace pakkad raha hai, so, I’m relieved. At present, I’m prepping up for my next untitled Gujarati film based on a nomadic tribe of Gujarat. I am happy that I am working in different mediums.
‘I miss being on the stage, but I will wait for a while’
I was doing a play before the lockdown. While I have heard about staging small plays at intimate space for a limited crowd in Ahmedabad, I’m not very comfortable at the moment to get back to the stage. If the play is made for the digital space with a small crew, then I would love to be a part of it.
