Noyrika Bhateja: We shot Infected 2030 with just three people on sets

Actress Noyrika Bhateja is thrilled about the feedback she has been receiving since her short film Infected 2030, released on Eros Now on May 20.

We caught up with the actress, who shot the project after she recovered from COVID-19 last year, to know about her experience and her upcoming projects.

How was it shooting Infected 2030?

Only three people worked in the movie because of the pandemic. Actor and director Chandan P Singh was also its writer. He conceptualised it right before the lockdown started and it was shot after the lockdown. All of us quarantined ourselves and then got to the sets, so we were in a safer bubble. It is also why it’s a short film because we only got three days to shoot.

Was the plan to release it last year?

Yes, we would have released it early, but the post-production work took more time because the crew fell ill. They tested positive and so, we wanted to be more considerate and let them recover. Chandan had to work on many things himself. But even though it took time, we did release the film and now we’re all happy.

Did you have any reference for your character?

I had tested positive for COVID-19. So, you do embody that emotion. I was quarantined for only 17 days, but what this girl has gone through, it’s unimaginable. Forget pandemic, the film has the real definition of relationships. We all have so many connections, but we realise the strength of our relationship when we go through such adversities. I understand the ups and downs of life, but the pandemic wasn’t something that I ever thought of. The only person who probably imagined this was a sci-fi film writer, but not us the common people. This phase hit us emotionally and financially, but the film is about how this particular relationship changed.

How was your experience on the sets?

Usually, you just come on sets to act, but in this film, I even prepared breakfast that I am seen having. We were all omnipresent so the art became our baby and we felt like doing a better job. Once you’re so involved, there’s no off switch when it comes to acting. Every minute of the day, you are that person. If you know everything, it becomes more natural.

How was it working with Chandan?

We used to do theatre together and Chandan had directed me in a few plays. In an industry where there are many contenders but not always equal opportunities, we created our own chances and this is one of those passion projects.

When I worked with him in theatre, I felt it helped me enhance my skill. I think a director can show you the right direction, but you have to go on that path and execute it. I wanted to work with him again, so I agreed to work on the film.

Tell us about your experience during the COVID-19 lockdown.

It was a roller-coaster ride. There are other people who went through way worse. The first lockdown was a shock to all of us. We thought it was a sabbatical from work, but it turned into a lifestyle. This lockdown, people are mentally prepared but it is way harder. I personally feel for every person. Previously, I don’t think anybody cared about others, but now we feel for everyone. I have a sense of community for the first time and so, I try to do as much as I can to give back to society. Everybody thought that they would audition everywhere, but now we’re just praying to get out of this situation and then think about auditioning.

How have you been able to help people struggling with COVID-19?

Many people, who had adopted pets for years, couldn’t afford them to care for them anymore and so abandoned them. I became an active member and started taking care of the abandoned pets. I now have four dogs at my own house. I also helped people with oxygen beds in Chennai and Nagpur.

What are your upcoming projects?

I’m part of an anthology film. I play the lead as an alien in one featurette. A big star has also decided to be part of it and now it has become a bigger project. Apart from that, I play Paresh Ahuja’s wife Shehnaz in Ali Abbas Zafar’s Netflix film The Last Song - 84, with Diljit Dosanjh.

I have also done a series for Filter Copy called PSA season 2 and I am part of Brochara season 2, which is yet to release. We finished the series before the first lockdown.