Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; May 14, 2020)

In the pre-lockdown phase, she was gearing up for a busy 2020 with three important projects in her kitty — Durgavati, Badhaai Do and Takht. In a conversation with BT, Bhumi Pednekar talks about what she expects to be the new normal, post the lockdown. Excerpts:

You were among the last actors to return to Mumbai before the Coronavirus lockdown was implemented in March. Did it feel strange to be at home after a hectic work phase?
We were about to finish the shooting of Durgavati. We had erected sets, and so, we just clocked in crazy hours to complete it in time. I was paranoid that things were spiralling out of control while we were still shooting the film. I don’t know when and how things will get back to normal. As a workaholic, I miss being at work, but I don’t whine or complain about being at home because this is for our safety. We’re privileged to have the comfort of our homes, as opposed to many others, who are in vulnerable conditions. We should be thankful for the things that we are blessed with.

As an actor, do you think this break has disrupted your rhythm?
I was and continue to be concerned about my family, friends and staff. I was restless thinking about them. Work is not on my mind right now. During a crisis like this, you cannot think about yourself alone. We’re going through an experience, which is collectively ours. At a time, when people are staring at unemployment and other grave issues, I cannot, and I am not thinking ki mera kya hoga.

What do you expect the scenario to be like on the other side of the lockdown?
Even when the lockdown is over, things won’t be as they were before it. But we will find ways to work around it. In the times to come, every habit that we have adopted in the last 30-40 days will continue to be a part of our lives. Wearing a mask will be the new normal, and rightly so. As actors, we will have to go back to the drawing board and prep like we’re starting all over again. There will be a new world, which we will have to get used to.