SpotboyE.com recently caught up with popular actor Sharad Malhotra, for a long chat. The actor spoke about how he is passing his time at home, his wife Ripci's cooking skills, how they celebrated their first wedding anniversary.
He also shared his views on the impact of the lockdown on TV industry and how does he see people functioning after the lockdown is lifted. Excerpts from our conversation:
What are you missing the most during the lockdown?
I am missing being in front of the camera.
How are you utilising your time?
There are so many things which I had not done past so many years, basic things like staying at home, cleaning my house- so I am doing all of that now. I wash dishes, mop floor- it is tiring as aadat nahi hai but somewhere accha bhi lag raha hai. I take my dog for a walk. I am reading a lot of books and also writing some interesting stuff.
Who is handling kitchen duties?
I don't enter that space because if I will enter, I may not get food to eat. Ripci is handling it very well. I seriously didn't know my wife can cook so well because she is a working woman and keeps travelling. But ever since the lockdown has been announced, she is cooking fabulous food.
Are you a demanding husband when it comes to food?
Sach bataun to haan. But Ripci asks me every day, "Aaj kya khaaoge?" I am blessed to have her and I am glad during the lockdown we are getting to spend such good time together or else I remember 2019 was such a busy year for me, that I got just two days for my own marriage.
Who is going for grocery shopping? What precautions are you excercising?
Whenever I step out to get groceries or any necessities, I make sure I am well covered by wearing a mask, gloves and a sanitizer in my hand. However, when I come back home, I feel there is something wrong. I feel there is a lot of negative energy outside. People are living in fear that if you visit a departmental store, something will go wrong. Also, people see each other in doubt, thinking in their mind what if the other person is infected with the virus. So, even if nothing is wrong with you, still you have in your mind main wahan gaya tha kuch hua to nahi hoga. And yes, with this I have also learnt how to buy vegetables which I had never done in my life. Ab mujhse sab sabziyon ka bhaav pata hai.
You bargain?
No I don't and I would also tell people not to do because they are risking their lives to get things arranged for us. The way they are helping us with our requirements, we should also help them by not bargaining.
Have you been reconnecting to people you had lost touch with?
Yes! You won't believe but I have called so many people and spoke to them with whom I had not connected for so many years for various reasons. But now when I have time in my hand and also a realisation how important life is, I reconnected with all and it made me feel so good. I guess now when this lockdown will open, we will have a different world.
What is going to be the first thing you will do post lockdown?
I stay near the beach, so I will go there straightaway, sit and see the sunset in fresh air and feel the freedom. It's been months we haven't stepped out, aisa lagta hai ek Bigg Boss chal raha hai.
Talking of which, you have been offered that show a lot of time. Will this lockdown help you to prepare your mind, if it is offered again?
I don't think so (laughs). Right now it's me and my wife who are locked together but inside Bigg Boss house, there will be too many people. And touchwood in this Bigg Boss, we are not fighting, there is no manipulation and diplomacy. But there you have to do all these things, if you want to win. After all, it's a game.
That reminds us your first wedding anniversary just went by. How did you guys celebrate?
We had planned to go Maldives for our first wedding anniversary and just when we zeroed down on the tickets, lock down was announced. I really wanted to go Maldives as I have heard its a beautiful place. Somehow whenever I have had a chance to visit it, things didn't workout due to my busy schedule. But it's okay, we were together and celebrated at home. Ripci made some amazing food and baked a cake. So, my first anniversary is something I will remember always.
Where do you see the TV industry post this lockdown?
I think after the lockdown, there will be a complete new pattern of shoots. There are already so many shows which have gone off-air due to this lockdown and many which may not air even after the shoot resumes because economy has hit us really bad overall. The one who can afford, they may go ahead with their current shows, rest may come up with new concepts, designed in an unimaginable way. I guess writers will have so much content to write. Every single person has his own story during this lockdown.
Will you feel safe shooting on the sets?
As an actor, I want precautions to be taken on the sets because we have to work in close proximity with our co-stars and production team. Like for an example, hero and heroine can't say that we will not hug each other if the script demands.
What is your take away form this unfortunate phase?
We should not take life for granted because we keep saying life hai sab accha hi rahega. But this pandemic has made us realise that one should value every person in your life. My respect for my staff has raised so much after this- right from my driver, maid, Spotboys, who used to make our life so easy with their efforts.
image source:-instagram/sharadmalhotra009