Exclusive! Shibani Dandekar on Love In The Times of Corona and the decision to turn a producer

Shibani Dandekar, best remembered as a television host, is awaiting the release of her short film February: A Dinner In Lockdown, which is a part of Love In The Times of Corona. She stars opposite Shekhar Ravjiani in the film that mirrors the turbulence in their relationship during COVID-19.

Shibani spoke to OTTplay about her project (which releases as a part of the Voot Select Film Festival) and her decision to turn a producer.

Excerpts from the interview:

What is the story of Love In The Times of Corona?

The past couple of years have been challenging for us. Managing everything has become quite difficult. A lot of us entered into new relationships but there has been a change in the way we function given the new situation. Just being in close proximity with your partner for months can take a toll on the relationship. It makes you see each other differently. 'Love In The Times of Corona' looks at how relationships have become, the issues with them in this hour, how we're coping with it and adjusting to our partners. My story asks such questions- Do you see life differently now? Do you feel like life is short? What is your relationship about? What's the way ahead?

Do we also get to see the relationship with your (on-screen) mother?

While the story is about my relationship with a partner, there will be aspects where you will see my relationship with my on-screen mother, parents and friends. It's about the changing dynamics with them too during the time.

You are working with Shekhar Ravjiani for the first time. What was that like?

It was a lovely experience. I knew Shekhar before we shot together. He comes from the music world and I come from the television world. It was a comfortable and cosy team to work with. We both were a blank canvas.

You rarely take up film offers. What prompted you to take up this one?

I worked with the producer of Shaandaar. I wanted to work on a short film because it wasn't a space I had explored before. I just wanted to see how it works out.

What makes your character different from all the other ones?

The interesting thing about my character is that she's young and knows what she wants. Her perception of life changes during the lockdown. She's very solid. She won't mop around the house and is still organised.

Would you say she's like you as a person?

Yes. She's quite similar to me. There are a lot of similarities between me and her.

How many days did it take to shoot the film?

Two nights.

Was it stressful to complete the shoot in such a short time?

It wasn't stressful. Honestly, it was just about the lines because once you are into the character, you don't feel stressed about it. The biggest challenge is keeping people hooked and portraying the entire journey of your character in 10-15 minutes.

Films are generally made in colour but Love In The Times of Corona has a monochrome filter to it. What does it signify? Do you think it is important for telling a tale?

I don't want to give too much away but you are on the right track. You understand what’s happening, right from the trailer.

Who would you say you missed the most while stuck in lockdown?

That would be my parents. It has been so long since I met them. We were facetiming but it's not the same, right?

Did you happen to meet them after the lockdown was over?

I haven't actually seen them. They've been in their little bubble. Given their age, I'm just happy knowing they are safe. That's the priority at the moment too. Our relationship - me, my parents and sisters - is also such that we do our thing and see each other when we have the time.

What is next for you?

I am shooting for something. I'm also writing and producing my first fiction film and web show, which is very exciting. I'm really enjoying being a producer for the first time. It's just a completely different world.

What inspired you to take up production while still building your career in acting? Were you nervous?

I wasn't. I wanted to do something for a while. Production just happened. I was discussing some ideas when the idea just came up. Now that I've started doing it, it could be my calling for the future. I found something that I'm enjoying, which is what matters.

Are you opening up a production house soon?

Yes. It just started as an idea but is going so well and thus, it makes sense to take that step.