Bed-time story

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A productive quarantine was everybody’s dream but how many could actually make it a reality? And then, there are writers like Sukhmani Sadana, who keep their phone or diary handy even when they sleep, for an idea can strike even in a dream!

Says Sukhmani, “It’s frustrating when you cannot remember a dream in the morning, especially a dream that made you ideate in your sleep. So, whenever I wake up, I write a word which later jogs my memory.”

Sukhmani has acted in web series Love Bytes and Sacred Games and did a guest appearance in Manmarziyaan. She hosted travel shows for a while. She has written films for Kunal Kohli, Vikram Bhatt and productions houses like Endemol and Balaji. She has written three web series during the lockdown and has pitched a new concept to the people concerned.

The anchor in her took over during the lockdown and she single handedly managed an Instagram live show called Sukhmani In Bed. Her last episode with Zareen Khan was watched by 3.5 lakh viewers.

The idea to start a live show was in her mind for a while. She says, “I talked to friends in my hometown Amritsar, and everybody around me said ‘just give it a try, if it becomes a hit that will be great, and if it doesn’t it will be an experience’. This season was all about women. I know all of them personally. I have done 16 episodes till now and I am hopefully coming out with a man’s special next.”

Sadana, who came home for Holi, the lockdown was a blessing in disguise. After a long time, she could spend time with her family. She says, “The lockdown gave me time to sit back and ideate. Filmmakers and digital content creators are ready to listen to new stories. So, I relax on weekends and write on weekdays except for Friday when I interview celebs.” About writing, she says ideating is the toughest part. Says Sadana, “Sometimes I spend hours staring at the fan with a pen in my mouth. My mother would say, ‘everything will be all right, don’t have bad thoughts’ (hinting at suicidal thoughts). Now I do that behind closed doors. While ideating needs seclusion, I can write with a room full of people. If I am happy with my idea, then I party to celebrate.”

While growing up in Amritsar, Sadana and her parents never thought she would become an actor and writer. Sadana says, “But when I look back, I was always a big-time storyteller. I enjoyed narrating events.”