Actors on their challenges with shooting

Eid is one of the most awaited occasions for new television and film releases. However, the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic has given way to different challenges for the entertainment arena. In light of the current scenario, television and film actors shared their experiences of shooting during this pandemic, and spoke about their upcoming Eid-Ul-Fitr projects.

Sabila Nur

Sabila Nur

I stopped shooting from April 4 after talking to some of my peers, as Covid-19 cases were already on the rise during that time. However, I completed shooting for a few ventures which will be releasing this Eid.

I am looking forward to Shihab Shaheen's "Pasher Bashar Cheleta" where I will appear alongside Ziaul Faruq Apurba. My other projects, including Rakesh Bashu's "Physics Chemistry Math" and "Rokto", are also exciting.

I also finished shooting for a tele-fiction by Rubel Hasan but we have not finalised the name of the production yet. Shooting during this pandemic for the last two consecutive Eid seasons has been very stressful, especially for me as I am very particular about cleanliness and hygiene. Not being able to wear a mask during shots and always having to carry alcohol wipes and sanitisers only adds  to the stress. In addition, the recent deaths have been worrying.

Manoj Pramanik

Manoj Kumar Pramanik

I had stopped shooting for about 15 to 20 days during the initial days of the lockdown this year. However, I am currently shooting as per my usual schedule, while maintaining safety guidelines strictly.

I am looking forward to my tele-fiction, "Mon Boleche Jabo Jabo" by Chayanika Chowdhury and another one by Preeti Dutta. I am also working on two short films with Shafayet Mansoor and Raihan Rafi, respectively.

For safety purposes, we are avoiding intimate shots and trying to have fewer crew members on the sets.

Nusraat Faria

Nusraat Faria

I try to take a break during this time of the year as I am busy preparing for my exams, and this year is no different. Nevertheless, my cooking show named "Quick Recipe" has been on air throughout Ramadan. I am also waiting for "Operation Sundarbans" and "Pataal Ghor" to hit movie theatres soon, once the second wave passes. I am looking forward to having an amazing Eid-ul-Fitr with my family at home.

Siam Ahmed

Siam Ahmed

We were hoping to release "Shaan", a film directed by M Raihan, during this Eid as the film is already in the post-production stage. However, owing to the lockdown, we have postponed its theatrical release. I stopped shooting last month.

I shot some advertisements while the Covid cases were in control at the beginning of this year, and I also completed shooting for "Operation Sundarbans".

Bidya Sinha Mim

Bidya Sinha Mim

I have been busy with my online  talk show "The Box" and I finished shooting for a few advertisements, before the lockdown.

We are almost ready to wrap up the film, "Poran" except for its trailer song and promotions. I am also waiting to resume shooting for my upcoming film "Ittefak". Shooting during the pandemic has made me rather irritated than anxious.

Having to wear a mask before shots, taking it off during the shot, and at times, losing track of where I had kept it prior to the shot has been a day-to-day hassle for me. Amidst all that, I also had to remember my lines and make sure that I was maintaining safety and hygiene rules, which is difficult to do, especially when you are surrounded by a whole crew.