Long-Distance PANDEMIC: Interview

Long-Distance PANDEMIC: Interview

Popular couple Rafiath Rashid Mithila and Srijit Mukherji recently sat down for a live interview with Rafi Hossain to share insights on their love and marriage amidst the pandemic. The artists talked about their quarantined long-distance relationship and the way they're managing to take care of their wonderful married life.

Rafi Hossain:Welcome to Uncensored with Rafi Hossain. Today we are here to possess a conversation with two renowned names of both Bangladesh and West Bengal: Rafiath Rashid Mithila and Srijit Mukherji. Srijit, does one agree that Mithila is sort of popular in West Bengal as well?

Srijit Mukherji: Yes, I completely accept as true with that. Mithila has gained popularity in both Bangladesh and West Bengal. Similarly, I even have also received tons of affection and support from audiences in both the places.

Rafi Hossain: thanks to this pandemic, you're both stuck in two different countries indefinitely. How are you handling the issues that accompany this new situation?

Srijit Mukherji: I feel there are both advantages and drawbacks of getting to measure far apart for therefore long. As an example, people often feel irritated once they need to spend an outsized amount of your time together. Since we are currently living in two different countries, we've not been facing this issue. On the opposite hand, it's difficult to debate and solve arguments and disagreements virtually, which is certainly proving to be a challenge.

Rafiath Rashid Mithila: I personally would have preferred spending this point with Srijit. Thanks to our busy schedules, we rarely get to spend such an extended amount of your time together. This is able to be a chance to urge to understand one another even better, and luxuriate in the domestic life.

Rafi Hossain: There are tons more cases of violence during this pandemic. Why does one think this is often happening?

Rafiath Rashid Mithila: it's been statistically proven that cases of violence and violence against women and youngsters have globally increased during this pandemic. The victims are cursed with the perpetrators within the same house, and that they don't have the choice of leaving or seeking help. Additionally, people are living during a small space together for an extended period of your time, and therefore the economic stress, fear of becoming unemployed, and uncertainty about the longer term is certainly adding to the frustration.

Rafi Hossain: What would you tell couples who are thinking of entering an extended term relationship or marriage?

Rafiath Rashid Mithila: In my opinion, people marry to measure and spend time together. So, i might advise against it, as long distance relationships aren't very sustainable and will only be attempted if extremely necessary. As an example, in trying times like this pandemic, it's completely understandable.

Srijit Mukherji: I think that this matter is entirely subjective, and varies with every individual. Our experiences and views might not be applicable to other couples as their relationship dynamic are often completely different from ours.

Rafi Hossain: does one believe that staying apart can help bring people together?

Rafiath Rashid Mithila: While I hope we will be together soon, technology helps us stay connected, then we will video call and ask one another very often. I also realise that this is often not a situation anyone anticipated, which everyone's experience is different. As an example, students, including my daughter, are adjusting to online classes. However, this is often temporary, and hopefully we'll soon revisit to our normal routines.

Rafi Hossain: How does one think this pandemic will affect the entertainment industry?

Rafiath Rashid Mithila: I think that the industry is experiencing a change, but we're adapting to the present new situation. Like many other artists, I, myself, worked on two short films during Eid-ul-Fitr. Most are finding new ways to channel their creativity and continue following their passion. Another positive effect that I've noticed is that the hygiene practice, which are some things I witnessed during my last shoot.

Srijit Mukherji: Recently, people became more interested and familiar with web series movies. But, i think that there's a magic to the large screen during a cinema, and it's not something which will die down anytime soon. Under current circumstances, however, there could also be a big, but temporary, setback to the industry as people are refraining from getting to public spaces.

Rafi Hossain: What changes does one think are likely to occur because the industry becomes more web-oriented?

Srijit Mukherji: I expect tons of changes to require place. As an example, it's much easier to inform novel-based stories using series, as against movies. The most reason behind this is often the character development, which takes place because the series gradually progresses. I think tons of shows following such formats are going to be created. Within the end, it all comes right down to the sort of story that a director is trying to inform. I, myself, are performing on projects for web platforms even before this pandemic, and became familiar with it. I only expect the quantity of such works to extend soon. In terms of events, film festivals and concerts are shifting to online platforms temporarily in an effort to regulate to the present circumstances.

Rafi Hossain: does one think this heavily web-oriented format of flicks and series will bring the audience in Bangladesh and West Bengal closer?

Rafiath Rashid Mithila: I worked on a COVID-19 related project for cine-technicians for the 2 Bengals. Since it had been for charity, the format of the work was quite different. Recently, tons of web-platforms from West Bengal also are working in Bangladesh. I, myself, worked on such a project, titled Ekattor, and Srijit also will be taking over one soon. I'm confident that this may bring the 2 Bengals closer.

Srijit Mukherji: it's difficult to seek out a story that audiences from both Bengals can relate to. One such movie was Moner Manush. I attempted to include that into my film, Rajkahini. If I’m approached with such a project, I might definitely have an interest. I always search for chances to collaborate with Bangladeshi artists. Similarly, my fellow directors and even some actors have an interest in performing on projects that bring the 2 Bengals together.

Rafi Hossain: Srijit, as a director, does one face any trouble once you cast actors who aren't from West Bengal?

Srijit Mukherji: I usually don't face many difficulties. The sole issue is that the intonation, which sometimes differs between the 2 Bengals. So, they're usually cast in roles which explain the difference in intonation. Moreover, most actors have learnt to adapt thereto.

Rafi Hossain: Mithila, you've got been married to Srijit for seven months now. Did your perception of him change, or is it still the same?

Rafiath Rashid Mithila: I’m still going to know Srijit. I discover new things about him and his work a day. It’s been a really pleasant journey.

Rafi Hossain: What are your plans after this quarantine ends?

Srijit Mukherji: I might want everything to travel back to normal. I'm looking forward to creating films once more.

Rafiath Rashid Mithila: The primary thing I will be able to do is return to Kolkata and visit my family there. I also want to travel back to performing on my PhD and resuming my field work and travelling.

Rafi Hossain: Lastly, does one have any message for the readers?

Srijit Mukherji: I might urge everyone to remain home and stay safe, and only leave when it's absolutely necessary.

Rafiath Rashid Mithila: Like Srijit mentioned, I hope most are following the rules and staying safe. we've tons to find out from this pandemic: being more empathetic, patient, and also handling unpredictable situations. We should always also enjoy this point with our family. I hope everyone can begin of this crisis as better people.

Rafi Hossain: many thanks for being with us today.