Anchoring sector hit hard as live events go for a toss amid Covid-19
Shreya Mukherjee
Juhi Chakraborty
NIMRAT KAUR ACTOR
Rishabh Suri
ATUL KULKARNI ACTOR
MANIESH PAUL ACTOR
GUNJAN UTREJA ACTOR
Actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s sudden demise triggered several debates, including the prevalence of nepotism in the film industry, with many coming out to talk about their own experiences. Actor Nimrat Kaur, however, says, “I wouldn’t like to go into that direction because one doesn’t know what Sushant went through. A lot has already been spoken about and there’s too much negativity on social media.”
Talking about the insider vs outsider debate, the 38-year-old points out, “When the industry began, all the yesteryear superstars were outsiders. Now, after establishing (yourself) in any profession, it often happens that the next generation wants to follow your footsteps. I grew up wanting to be an army officer, looking at my father. Had I done that, I would’ve been on the receiving end of this debate.”
Known for films such as The Lunchbox (2013) and Airlift (2016), and international TV series, Homeland and Wayward Pines, Kaur, too, started from scratch in the industry. “I’ve been rejected 85-90 times for ad films. I’ve really made it brick by brick till here. But along with adversities, you also meet people who make
As the opening of theatres stands postponed and films queue up for release on OTT platforms, actor Atul Kulkarni feels it isn’t a long-term solution as there will always be a difference between the two mediums. “I don’t think the audience feels that OTT is the way now. They go to see stars in theatres; on OTTs, they are looking at content more. It is high time that we understand that (though the) ingredients in both the mediums may be the same but there is no point drawing parallels,” he says.
Lauding the democratic nature of OTT platforms, the you believe that you can do it,” says Kaur, adding that it’s unfair to just connect everything to nepotism.
Explaining her point, she says, “Every time, you don’t lose a project because a star kid was plugged in. There could be other reasons also, and we need to accept that. These star kids have their set of struggles. And also, I can’t forget the number of times I have declined offers that came my way.”
No one chooses a project thinking about the cons around it, not even those who’re in a place of privilege, says Kaur. “I also want things to be smooth for me but that doesn’t happen all the time. But, I don’t want to let all these grow big enough to become my reality, and make me question my self-worth and confidence. I don’t want to limit my ambition, given the problems in this profession. Nothing comes in the way of my dreams and ambition, that’s it,” she signs off. 54-year-old, who has worked in web projects such as The Test Case and City of Dreams, and will be next seen in a music-based web show, says what attracts him is the detailing in characters. “It is a wonderful platform, especially keeping in mind the times that we live in right now. You get to do a character which is written in depth, and has a lot of complexities and also the variety,” he adds.
Kulkarni further points out that the best thing about the digital medium is that it is still untouched by star craze. “The audiences need to like the story and plot, and love the character. Initially, they might get attracted to the big
The Covid-19 pandemic has not just impacted industries worldwide, but has also overshadowed the vivacity of life. And with no public gatherings or live events in sight, actors, who did hosting or singing gigs, are definitely feeling the pinch.
Gunjan Utreja, who used to remain busy hosting events throughout the year, says, “I understand that in a situation like this the first priority is to go out and earn bread, and come back as soon as possible. Even if we get the permissions, I don’t think people are in the zone for a concert, and it may (go on like this) for another six months.”
While he was initially booked for months, all his events got cancelled. “Not only that, there aren’t any new queries either. Normally, artistes know how to lead an uncertain life; you don’t even have an idea where your next meal is coming from. [But] this pandemic has cut hope, because this is the first time ever that the entire industry is shut. The good part, however, is that we have technology available. So I adapted and created a lockdown game show,” adds Utreja.
Saumya Tandon, who had anyway cut down on the number of live show offers she took up after becoming a mother, says, “The events industry has been hugely hit. No public gathering, no award functions, no excellence nights for corporates... Usually, Navratras used to be the time things started snowballing and a lot of enquiries would come.”
Interestingly, Tandon is receiving enquiries for webinars now. “Budgets have almost halved, and the price we get, of course, will be lesser, since we don’t have to travel. You can sit in the comfort of your home and announce. But the live gig space is completely empty,” she tells us.
Meiyang Chang, however, doesn’t agree with this reason for a pay cut, and says, “I understand that fees will go down because nobody has money. But if the client says, ‘Aapko bula nahi rahe, no airfare, why should I pay you so much money.’ They need names attached with a show or film, but if you can’t hold them for more than 15 minutes, the names don’t matter. This is the medium of writers and directors, more than the actors,” he opines.
Stressing how web is no longer the future, but the present of entertainment, the actor thinks what worked for the platform is its ability to provide a personal viewing experience. “The sheer availability has been the biggest reason for its success. It’s not just about films and shows but also shorts and documentaries,” he says. to understand that they are getting a full performance, and F&B and travel is separate, which they anyway would save.”
He further adds, “I am not a fan of Instagram and Facebook lives, but if that is going to be the way forward in the foreseeable future, then everybody has to adapt.”
And though, Maniesh Paul, known as the sultan of stage, might have resumed his duties as the host of a singing reality show, he, too, reveals, “Before the crisis, I was very busy with live shows and international shows, too. There is nothing happening in that sector now, especially as we have to maintain social distancing. But a lot of things are happening online. The fun I used to have in front of the live audience… I really hope everything gets back to normal.”