MUMBAI: 2020 taught us the value of work and freedom, which we were denied: Aftab Shivdasani

MUMBAI: After testing negative for Covid-19 and recuperating,
Aftab Shivdasani flew to London, UK to be with his new-born daughter and wife,
in October. The actor calls 2020 a wonderful learning experience “as it taught
us all a lot”. Since the lockdown in March, it has been a challenging year in
many ways for many people, including him as he tested positive for Covid-19.

“For me, personally, the year was
eventful as my wife and I became parents. And, yes, I had Covid but 2020 taught
me to value health and life. Now, that the vaccine is out, it is still early
days. Never in the history of mankind has a vaccine been invented so soon- in
nine months. Usually, it takes years to make. I am not in a hurry to get the
vaccine. Moreover, my body is still producing anti-bodies, so I am relatively
safe,” says Shivdasani.

The actor was happy with the
positive response of his web show, Poison 2, and adds while shoots for new
projects are on, it is on a slow pace. “I am looking at a few films and web
shows next. A lot of things are going to get better in 2021. This year taught
us to value one’s work and freedom which we were denied. I shot in between the
pandemic and that was an experience too. There aren’t a lot of shoots happening
as people are taking it slow. It is still early days. Though the precautions
are being taken at shoot, there are cases of people testing positive every few
days and not just actors but technicians, sportsmen, politicians etc. We are
not out of the woods yet. The pandemic is still on. Covid-19 is dangerous as
many people have suffered a lot due to it. In the industry, there is a certain
amount of scepticism but people also realise that this is our livelihood and we
have to work. They are going about with certain precaution protocols in place,”
shares the actor.

He is looking forward to celebrating
Christmas in London, which is “beautiful this time of the year”. “They have
gone into a lockdown but gyms, malls and retail shops are open and one can’t
sit and eat in restaurants but can take takeaways. Cases are rising but there
is no comparison with cases in India. What is lovely is that during the festive
season, everything is light up and though it’s cold yet people are outside,
wearing masks and enjoying themselves,” he says.