It is a daily grind for television actors; they are usually on their toes with the kind of work that demands rigorous hours of shooting, working in adverse conditions, improper food and much more. They seldom get a break but now the situation is such that they are without work because of the strike. So is the strike a blessing in disguise for them… and what are they doing while the industry has come to a standstill? We caught up with a few of them to find out.
Alok Nath – I’m not doing anything much… just lazing around, getting some sleep, attending a few weddings and going to temples. I won’t say this break is healthy and it is very selfish to say so. In fact, everybody is losing because of the strike and the situation is tragic. Nobody is ready to compromise and the people in charge need to come up with a solution. Otherwise the situation seems endless. I hope everything ends in a smooth manner and we hope to resume work as soon as possible.
Vibha Chibber – It was such a busy schedule when we had work and now it is just the opposite. It feels good in a way to get this break because there is some time for family and friends. I was also able to finish some pending stuff that I wanted to do for a long time. But I don’t feel good about the strike; people like the spot boys, technicians and a few others are so dependent on the day-to-day money that they get and it has a huge impact on those guys. The break as such is good but the reason for the break is something that is sad. Anyway, I am enjoying this time and even went on a vacation. I hope things should settle in a week’s time and all of us can get back to work.
Ashita Dhawan – I have been trying to finish my pending work and spending time with family. It is a lazy time and I am getting a lot of sleep as well. My friend’s wedding is also coming up, so I have plans for that too. Most actors crib that they don’t get any breaks and now when you have got that time, I believe you need to make full use of it – I am thoroughly enjoying it. I understand that there is a crisis but nothing much can be done from my end as I am not involved in it. I can just hope that it is sorted out and we can get back to work.
Karuna Pandey – I am keeping myself busy with a couple of films. I also love dancing and am hoping to do some stage shows. I am doing plays as well and have casually given some auditions. Things should settle down by the end of this month.
Sukirti Khandpal – I had fallen ill for the first few days and after that I celebrated my sister’s birthday. My father had come down to visit me and we had a good time. I am also planning to buy a good house for myself – I thought I could use this time for a good house hunt. I have been working non-stop for one year and this break has been really good for me. Things really look uncertain unless there are negotiations – I have no idea when we will resume work.
Chetan Hansraj – I am totally enjoying this break. In a way, it is good for the industry as it has been without a break for eight years; and it was high time it did but bad that the break was because of the strike. This break is truly a blessing in disguise. I read somewhere that the strike would be called off by today but I am not sure whether it will. Let us wait and watch.
