Ehan Bhat, who had shot his debut film — AR Rahman’s 99 Songs — in Ukraine in 2017, is shaken up looking at the events unfolding there after Russia invaded the country recently. The actor says he gets emotional looking at the images and stories pouring in from the war-torn country.

Ehan shares, “I have constantly been reading the news, and it is nerve-wracking to see people suffer immensely during this time. There are so many stories surfacing where we are reading about how newborn babies don’t have incubators, loved ones are being separated, and so many more heart-breaking stories. That makes me sad, and I have been praying for them. I hope that this ends soon. We all as humans should live with each other in peace and harmony, and that is what I pray for Ukraine to have — a peaceful world with no war.”

Recalling the experience of shooting 99 Songs in Ukraine, Ehan says, “My experience in Ukraine was incredible. I was in awe looking at the beauty of the place. The food was mouthwatering and the people in Ukraine were humble, generous and welcoming. Everyone in Ukraine had high respect for Indian culture.”

Ehan says, “On my off days, it was always a beautiful feeling to go to different coffee shops and sit there, experiencing the warmth of the place and the delicacies they had to offer. We shot in different locations at Kyiv and Lviv and a lot of other places, which were a treat to the eyes.”

The film’s team had a number of local technicians on board. Talking about working with them, the actor adds, “The team there was incredibly hardworking, passionate and they welcomed the Indian crew with open arms. They were well-versed with how everything works and that really helped in the smooth functioning of our schedule. Shooting in Ukraine was an experience and a memory of a lifetime.”

“Ukraine will always have a special place in my heart, and I cherish every memory of my visit there. Recently, while I was making a travel plan, I had Ukraine on my list, and I wanted to revisit the beautiful country and re-experience the times I spent there, but unfortunately, because of the situation, I had to re-think my plan. I hope peace prevails in Ukraine soon,” he concludes.