Pooja Entertainment, the studio behind cult hits such as Coolie No. 1 and Hero No. 1, became the first production house to start shooting during the Covid-19 pandemic. The film in question is Akshay Kumar-starrer Bellbottom. Directed by Ranjit M. Tewari, the spy thriller is being shot extensively in Scotland and the young producers Jackky Bhagnani and Deepshikha Deshmukh ensured that the cast and crew felt totally safe on and off the sets.
Shooting in the thick of a global pandemic sounds daunting but actress Lara Dutta recounts how the challenges during this unusual time were dealt with professionalism and personal attention. She says, “Initially, it was normal to feel a little anxious considering that Covid-19 cases are rising rapidly in India. But I felt immediate reassurance and confidence when I saw the many protocols in place and how correctly things were being handled. Ours was the first film to be shot after the lockdown but despite the nervousness, we were all eager to get back to work.”
About the thrill of returning to work, she says, “When the shooting finally began, I was the first actor on the sets. To be part of the first film to be shot after the lockdown felt hugely gratifying. I felt grateful to be on a set where every single precaution possible was being taken, sanitisation was meticulous and the cast and crew were checked every day. Everything was secure, right from the food delivery on sets to the drivers who took us to and fro. Yes, we had to remove our masks during scenes but because we felt safe in a strictly regulated environment, we just wanted to do our job to the best of our abilities.” When asked what it was like to shoot in this kind of environment, Lara said, “It was a surreal experience and I hope this is not going to be the new normal.”