The pandemic and the lockdown haven't much altered the lifestyle of actress Ansiba Hassan for she was away from the limelight for almost four years due to her academic pursuit.
In the meantime, she made a short film, 'A Live Story', with a social message that was released on YouTube. She had also embarked on a directorial venture of a feature film, but it had to be put on the back burner part because of the agitation in Delhi, especially in Jamia Millia, which was the main location and part by the onslaught of the pandemic.
All she misses now is the chance to flaunt her myriad colourful apparels which have been left unused in the wardrobe.
“I used to buy a lot of dresses. But now I have stopped it. Even if I intend to buy, my mom asks what I would do with them. I feel sad at times as most of those clothes were bought so passionately,” the actress says.
Mask, the star
For Ansiba, mask has now become a universal language. “Mask is the star now. My wardrobe is full of them. I have even stitched masks out of my churidar pieces. But that is just fun. I used to wear different types of masks initially. Wearing them was very inconvenient at first, I suffered breathing problem and sometimes even nausea, headache and so on. But I think we're quite used to it now,” she quips.
She prefers use-and-throw masks at public places. But she uses washable and reusable cotton masks during visits to relatives in the vicinity.
Lockdown with least impact
According to Ansiba the lockdowm has not brought about much of a change in her life. “Earlier too when I had shoots I used to come back to my place after the work and got myself immersed in books or films. I used to be and still am an avid movie watcher and I watch movies of all regional languages, which I even didn't know. I'm not a stage show person. So I feel nothing amiss now. Moreover, I had not been doing films for over four years as I was doing my graduation in visual communication in Coimbatore. All I miss now is the slow and long drives along the country roads, which is my favourite pastime after movies.
Preferences
“I used to buy branded outfits and accessories long time ago. But later I shifted to buying normal costumes according my taste and comfort. The major reason is the high cost of branded apparels,” Ansiba says adding she is no at all brand conscious now. “But I always prefer colourful costumes as they produce a sense of positivity and pleasantness.” she says.
Ansiba, who set her foot in showbiz world through a reality show, desperately longs for an early resumption of normalcy and lifting of theatre lockdown. Those who love cinema too much can never opt for OTT releases, according to her. “Theatre is like a temple. It's a place where unknown people, of different castes, religions and classes converge to enjoy a work of art together. There, all are equal,” says Ansiba.
The actress is now thrilled about Drishyam 2, which is all set to go on the floors adhering to the Covid-19 protocol.