MUMBAI: Many television actors tested positive for coronavirus over the past few months. They have recently opened up on the challenges as well as the key takeaway from being struck by the virus. If testing positive for coronavirus was a nightmare, the quarantine period that ensued tested the patience of many.
However, life’s most difficult experiences often impart the most valuable lessons and TV celebs, who contracted COVID-19, will vouch for it. For them, the isolation phase was all about self-analysis, introspection and rearranging priorities.
After testing positive for the virus, Akshit Sukhija quarantined himself for 14 days and resumed the shoot on the 18th day. Talking about the isolation phase, he shares, “The 14-day quarantine period affected me mentally. The biggest task was to isolate myself from my parents in spite of living under the same roof. You want your family by your side when you fall sick, but this time around, I couldn’t risk having them anywhere close to me. I was quite tense and unhappy during this time.”
The 'Shubharambh' actor also calls it a learning experience. He adds, “My perspective towards life and work has changed. In fact, maine lockdown ke pehle aur baad mein kaafi changes dekhe hain khud mein. We should feel lucky to be working again in such a scenario. Instead of focusing on our blessings, we fight over petty things, which don’t matter in the long run. The time taught me to feel fortunate and blessed to have my loved ones around me.”.
The Shaadi Mubarak co-actress Rajeshwari Sachdev shares, “During the isolation phase when I was recovering, I realised my own importance in life. There is more self-love. There is no point in trying to be a superwoman. I was extremely fortunate to have the whole family rallying around me, which is so important. It became easier for me to recover because I did not have to worry about my child or anything else. It also gave me a lot of time to sit inside the room alone with myself and realise that the world works perfectly fine without me trying to take over everything (laughs!). You also realise that the only person you didn’t give time to was you. From time to time, it’s important to step back and give yourself time to help you become better in every way possible.”.
Aakash Talwar, who tested positive for the virus in October, says that the time off from work allowed him to introspect and recalibrate life. He says, “Since I shoot for two shows: Shakti - Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki and Naagin 5, I never used to find time to introspect. The isolation period was tough as I was staying away from my family and friends for the first time, but it gave me a lot of time to self-analyse. The phase allowed me time and space to heal not just physically, but also mentally. It also made me realise that there is nothing certain in life. I have realised that I am like an empty soul without my relationships, be it with my wife, friends or relatives. A man comes alone into this world but goes with a lot of memories, the warmth of relationships and with the love of his beloved. In a way, it was a spiritual journey, as I feel healed and in sync with everything around me now.”.
Sarika Bahroliya was shocked to find herself testing positive for COVID-19 immediately after her Gudiya Humari Sabhi Pe Bhari co-actor was detected with it. She shares, “It was a bit challenging as I live alone in Mumbai. So, having no one to interact while being homebound for 15 days was difficult. Soon, I realised that in the time I took to recover changed me for the better. My mornings would start with the chants of Om and a small meditation session, followed by immunity-boosting kadha and a healthy breakfast. I like reading Hindi classics, so I resumed that, too. In fact, it would not be wrong to say that this isolation phase helped me introspect and had a calming effect on me. I would do things at my own pace. That really helped me to step back, slow down and become calmer. Earlier, I would get cranky and annoyed about little things, both on the personal front as well as work. However, the seclusion helped me relax and realise my negatives and correct them.”.
Sahil Anand, who was last seen in Kasuatii Zindagii Kay 2, says, “Staying in a room for 20 days made me stronger mentally. So, in a way, coronavirus made me stronger! Dealing with a situation that took a toll on my health and mental state had a cathartic effect; it changed me into a better person. Today, I value relationships a lot more than I used to. I have learnt to live life at my own pace now. Earlier, I’d rush into one project from another, and never really take the time to reflect upon things. But the recovery period gave me the mind space to reflect upon a lot of things. During this phase, I lost out on some projects, but I realised that I needed to prioritise my health first as I would always get something better later.”.
Sanjay Gagnani says the experience of being struck down by COVID was an ‘eye-opener’. “Recovering from the virus has been nothing short of an eye-opener for me. It made me value life and relationships more and stop taking my family and friends for granted. In fact, I’ve started valuing small joys even more. Earlier, I celebrated only big moments and achievements,” says the 'Kundali Bhagya' actor. He adds, “It is said that you get to know yourselves better in isolation and I experienced that while being quarantined for 20 days. So, even though the period tested my patience, I came out being a calmer and composed person. My mind did run into wrong directions, but fortunately, my family and friends didn’t let me feel lonely. I fought with my mind and made it understand that this phase is temporary.”.
Sara Khan, currently seen in Santoshi Maa Sunayein Vrat Kathayein, took a break of 16 days to recover from coronavirus. She says, “What I learnt during my recovery time is that health matters the most. Health is the core of happiness — you can’t enjoy life if you aren’t healthy. So, I’m all the more health-conscious now. When I was recovering from the virus, I also grew closer to my parents emotionally, and the effort they put into taking care of me, moved me. I also had a lot of ‘work-thoughts’ during my recovery time. I made use of the me-time by forming mental maps of how I could make things even better for myself on the professional front. I returned to the set feeling fresh and energetic than ever before.".
Also Read: TikTok fame Mridul Madhok in talks as a wild card entrant in Bigg Boss 14
Credit: Bombay Times
Add new comment