Zain Imam on shooting ZEE5's 'Never Kiss Your Best Friend: Lockdown Special': It was a different kind of an experience!

ZEE5, the largest video streaming platform in the country has announced the release of a special edition of Never Kiss Your Best Friend: Lockdown Special starring Anya Singh and Zain Imam. This lockdown special is all set to release on 18th June 2020 exclusively on ZEE5, written by Sumrit Shahi and produced by Sarita A. Tanwar and Niraj Kothari.

We at India Forums got in touch with Actor Zain Imam who spoke about his experience shooting the series in the lockdown period, the challenges and difficulties faced, preparations and much more. 

How was the entire experience shooting the series in the lockdown at home?

I think it was one of a kind experience. We've never done that before and this would actually never happen otherwise. It was a different kind of an experience for me and for everybody infact. We used to shoot in that manner, in that time space, in that zone and it was pretty difficult. But we managed to pull off the 8-10 days well and I just hope that once the show gets out, you all like it. 

Because you're shooting from home, you're doing most of the work, right from acting to direction and everything. So how challenging was that?

It was pretty challenging because as an actor, you're only required to act and feel the emotions right. But when you're all alone, you're directing yourself, you have to place the light at the right corner of the room and you also have to do the work of the DOP as well. They're there on the zoom call but it gets a bit difficult for the actor to perform and still place the camera in front of him and plug the right emotions. That's actually challenging but we've managed to sail through. 

Since you have shot from home, did it take more time for preparation as an Actor?

No, as an actor, now since we have worked so much that when you're reading the script, you just get the hang of the character. It wasn't difficult that way but if the artist if not right in front of you then you can't get the right kind of emotions. If someone is in front of you then you able to act better and also impact better but if no one is there in front of you except the camera and the phone, then it gets a little difficult. 

What is your favourite moment or scene from this special lockdown edition?

It's difficult to recall one, there are a lot of scenes like there was one drunk scene that I had with Anya. I think for the young audience, they'll get a lot of 'masala' in that. You'll have romance, drama, emotional part, comedy, so I think there's a lot of things which actually works for the show. 

Do you recall what was your reaction when you were approached for this project and what actually made you say yes to it?

Basically, I was supposed do the first season as well but due to some reason, the date didn't work out and I couldn't do it. So then I met the producer, Niraj Bhai and he was like we will be working together very soon. Then he called up for the lockdown special and I was like let's do it because I've seen the show and I pretty liked it. Nakuul is a friend and even Anya, I didn't know her earlier but during this lockdown, I've known her a little. It was a pretty brilliant show, one of the superhit shows of ZEE5. It was important for me to say yes to the lockdown edition because I felt that it will go well and it was something new to do. 

Do you have any message for people who have been following you, especially since the past few days have been very mentally draining for most of the people?

I just want people to hold up to their emotions because it's a very difficult phase going on right now, during this pandemic. There have been a lot of mood swings, a lot of emotions are going haywire so I just hope that they stay happy. Just believe in yourself and stay strong, talk to people around. Watch good content, if you're watching something on the digital platform then watch something funny and comedy.