Exclusive! Chetan Daiya: Lockdown turned out to be a blessing of sorts

International award winner Chetan Daiya is a Gujarati star and is one of the known celebrities in the entertainment industry. The actor has given some of his outstanding performances in films like 'Affraa Taffri','Kem Cho?', 'Gujarat 11', 'Raghu CNG', 'Hungama House' etc. Apart from Gujarati cinema, Chetan has marked his footprints in Bollywood as well with films like 'Union leader', 'Mitro' and 'Made in China'.In a conversation with ETimes, Chetan Daiya exclusively shared his lockdown journey, his post lockdown shoot experience and much more.
Excerpts from the interview.
Though restrictions have been lifted to some extent now, how has been your lockdown experience so far?
Lockdown turned out to be a blessing of sorts. I got to spend a lot of time with my family which I wouldn't be able to do otherwise due to busy shooting schedules. Lockdown has been a peaceful, enjoyable, and laid back time devoted to family and books.
What is that particular thing which you have learned during lockdown?
Initially, before the lockdown, I would write my scripts and stories traditionally with pen and paper. But in these troubled times of mandatorily staying home, I learned scriptwriting on the laptop. I typed various thoughts, subjects, and stories after overcoming my lethargy of learning and implementing digital scriptwriting. Also, reading and relaxing increased during the stay-home period.
You are coming up with two new projects, tell us in detail about them.
Many projects have been lined-up fortunately. Films like 'Baagad Billa' and 'Vickida No Varghodo' shot before the lockdown and film 'Dhummas' shot after the unlock are complete, and ready for post-production processes. I had completed one feature film 'Baagad Billa' just before the pandemic. However, my other film 'Diva Swapn' got interrupted and was kept on hold with 4-5 days of the remaining shoot. Despite the follow-up from the producers, I kept wondering when that would be accomplished. I hope that we can wrap that film now as soon as possible.
The fear of getting infected is still there, so how do you manage shooting?
All shots after the pandemic have complied with the guidelines by the respective teams. Proper care is taken about the basics like masks and sanitizers. Now, shoots also have limited crew. But it is more important than work has resumed, slowly but surely. It is good that everybody has become more conscious about their health and hygiene, and also the same as their co-workers.