Pranay Manchanda: Shooting Without Crew and Basic Equipments Was Most Difficult Part For Us

Dice Media’s Firsts 2 starring Pranay Manchanda and Kriti Vij narrates the story of two people who meet on a dating app and fall in love with each other while being locked down in their respective homes. Over the course of 24, one-minute episodes, Firsts beautifully captures the sensitivities and insecurities of a newfound virtual relationship. We see the two be vulnerable, go through the ups and downs of long periods of isolation, trying out new things together, consoling each other through their lows and most anxious moments, and finally meeting after the lockdown ends.

We at India Forums got into a candid conversation with Pranay Manchanda who plays the male lead in Firsts 2. The actor was all smiles and spoke at length about the concept of the show, the thought behind 1-minute episodes, his on-screen dating partner and off-screen wife Kriti Vij and a lot more.

Here are few excerpts from the interview:-

1)How did you come up with the idea of Firsts 2?

To be fair, it was Dice Media’s idea not ours (laughs). So they just shared their idea with us and Kriti and I were more than happy to do it. We did not give a thought to how we will shoot, what will do etc (laughs). We had not worked without a crew before so the shooting part was difficult for us. Though I have to admit it was quite an exciting opportunity. 

2)What is the thought behind shooting 1-minute mini episodes?

The format of creating bite-sized entertainment was introduced by Dice media in the first season of Firsts itself. The main idea behind shooting mini episodes is to create content that a viewer can watch while taking a break. We take 5-min breaks while working  to relax for a while and that is when you can just watch an entire episode in a minute. This idea is especially for working professionals who can enter into a world of their own and quickly watch an episode.

3)You and Kriti are a real life couple. How does it feel shooting with your real life partner?

Well, yes we have been married for a few years now. We know our working styles really well. I know what motivates her to work, and that brings out the best in us. Working with your life partner turns out to be the biggest advantage since you know them really well. Playing the characters Aman and Tanya was really exciting for us since we had to play someone who had met each other for the first time.

4)What was the biggest challenge you faced while shooting Firsts 2?

Kriti and I are not in Mumbai now. We were in Delhi when the lockdown was announced and we have been here for over a month now. Can you believe that the entire series has been shot without using a tripod. We managed by keeping a stack of books and adjusting the camera accordingly!(laughs). I feel that was the most difficult part but it was indeed fun.

5)What do you think will happen when Aman and Tanya meet post lockdown now?

I think Aman and Tanya are pretty excited to see each other as soon as the lockdown ends. Infact, the first human faces both of them will see post lockdown will be each other. (laughs)

6)What kind of roles can we expect you in future?

Kriti and I are planning to come up with different kinds of content. We want to come up with something not related to dating or love amid quarantine but stuff other than that.

Have you watched Firsts 2 yet? Share your views with us in the comment section below.