Tisca Chopra finds the automated voice before a phone call ‘highly annoying’, urges better measures
Sangeeta Yadav (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 18, 2020)

The Coronavirus outbreak has become a sort of a conversation starter with most people these days. And as we talk to actor Tisca Chopra, the automated advisory on the pandemic that plays out before a phone call sets the tone of the conversation. The actor finds it to be “highly annoying” and rues that though the intent is to create awareness, “it’s not at all effective”.

The need of the hour, Chopra says, is stricter measures by the government. “For instance, they should ensue a steady supply of medicines, masks and other essentials. They need to bring the army to create quarantine camps and assist hospitals with support staff. Also, give healthcare workers as much support and funds as they need,” she says.

The Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) has issued an advisory calling for a complete shutdown in the shooting of ongoing films, TV shows and web content from March 19 till March 31. Hailing this decision, the 46-year-old feels “it’s only for a good reason because a film unit is a tight group of people that come in close contact. So, it’s better to be safe than sorry”.

Ask how her work has been affected and the actor says, “Most public events and film shoots planned for March have been cancelled. I was to shoot for a project in May, that has also been indefinitely pushed.”

Staying optimistic in these trying times, the actor says, “I’m not unhappy about this shutdown as it’s been a hectic few months directing my short film. So, I’m looking forward to spend time with family and friends.”

Chopra shares that her daughter, Tara, hasn’t been going to school either and “frequent hand-washing and gargles have become mandatory at home. We aren’t stepping out for meals at all.”