A pinni for your thoughts!

Manit Joura, who plays Rishabh Luthra in Kundali Bhagya, was overwhelmed to see his co-actors on the sets after the lockdown. He talks about shooting amid Covid-19, the lessons from the lockdown and more.

How is it going back to work after more than three months?

I was craving to go back to work. I missed the sound of action and cut, the drama behind the camera, set ki chai, the smell of the set, those costumes, my director, friends and all the crew members. So yes, I am ecstatic about shooting for the show once again.

What new things did you learn?

To be honest, everything was new for me in this lockdown. I have learnt to do household chores all by myself without a house help, be it cooking, washing clothes and utensils, mopping, buying grocery, etc. Also, I have learnt the art of zoom call.

What changes do you see in yourself post Covid-19?

I have not seen any drastic change in me during this lockdown. I am a nature lover and I love to spend time nurturing plants and working in my farm. I am already in sync with nature and I know how to respect nature and animals.

Given a choice, what would be your pick— movie or web series?

I have many answers for this particular question, but the honest one would be that I don’t have the liberty to decide which medium I would work in. I don’t have the freedom to decide which project I will do. I give auditions and the director decides whether he wants to take me in his project, be it a movie, a web series or a TV show. But I must add that I am very fortunate to be working in this industry and I have had an opportunity to work in movies, web series, reality shows, TV shows, theatre, nukkad natak and so on.

Tell us one thing about Punjab and Punjabis that you like the most.

Being a Punjabi I love everything about Punjab, its greenery, the smell of its soil, water, air, its people, food and so on. I am deeply connected with Punjab. I feel blessed that am a Punjabi. Whenever I go to Punjab, I do visit the Golden Temple and it gives me immense peace and calmness.

When was the last time you performed Bhangra?

Bhangra is my go-to dance form. Whenever I am asked to improvise a dance sequence, I do Bhagra as I love it and have been doing since childhood.

What is your favourite Punjabi dish?

I like every dish. I love aloo and gobhi parathas with home-made butter, I love gud ki roti with desi ghee, I love sarson da saag and makke di roti, lachha paratha, tandoori roti, rajma, shahi paneer, naan, sugarcane juice, pinni and panjeeri. I crave for them always.

Do you like Punjabi films and which one is close to your heart?

From the movies of contemporary times I love Punjab 1984, Carry on Jatta, Jatt and Juliet and Qismat.

Name some of your favourite Punjabi songs?

There are amazing singers in the Punjabi music industry, but I am a big fan of Sidhu Moosewala. I love his song, Jatta da Muqabala, a lot. Tussi Bhul Jao is another favorite song of mine. I also like Diljit Dosanjh’s music.

Three places you would recommend your friends to visit in Punjab?

The Golden Temple is the first place that one should visit, followed by the Wagah border. There are several famous food places in Amritsar which serves amazing food.

How are you keeping yourself fit these days?

I have never been a gym person. I do yoga at home. I also do free-weight workout, stretching, push-ups, handstand, martial arts, running, cycling and horse riding to keep myself healthy and fit. You don’t need any equipment but the determination to remain healthy. You should also focus on your diet.

—Dharam Pal