#LockdownAnniversary: TV celebs share lessons learned in the lockdown

It’s been a year since India went under lockdown to control the spread of the coronavirus. While people did not expect the lockdown, and subsequently, the fight against the pandemic to last so long, this tough phase brought with itself several life lessons. While many realised the importance of family and slowing down, others learnt to take their mental well-being all the more seriously. We reached out to celebs and asked them about their lockdown learnings and how this phase changed them.

Although there are still many challenges to overcome, I feel the biggest challenge was to understand and process all the information thrown at us from everywhere. As an outgoing person, it was hard for me initially but both Ishita (Dutta Sheth, wife) and I decided to channel our energy to learn new skills. Ishita and I also created a music video and made a short film with the minimum available equipment. It taught us the importance of minimalism. Of course, seeing people succumbing to the virus, going through financial issues has been really tough but it has also made us stronger.

Last year, I returned from the US on March 15. Due to the lockdown, I had to postpone my plans of returning to Vadodara after that. Staying alone was tough and I would speak to my mom on the phone for hours. For actors, it was a really stressful phase. I was in talks for a few projects before the lockdown but the pandemic changed everything. With no one to talk to in person, the entire phase taught me to count the little blessings, which we often take for granted, and be grateful for what I have. After doing all the household chores myself at Mumbai, I learnt to respect my domestic help even more.

It feels surreal now when I think about how we all got through one of the toughest phases of our lives. The lockdown had brought in a lot of positive changes in me as I had enough time on hand. Before the pandemic, meditation was never a part of my routine but now, I can’t go even a single day without doing meditation. Doing breathing exercises daily has made me more aware of myself and my surroundings and has made me confident and radiant. The whole phase has made me very grateful for the little things, especially my staff members who work very hard. These positive elements have simplified my life. I shop less and have become a calmer and cooler person.

Staying indoors helped me understand the value of people in my life and to be grateful to everyone who has been with me through my highs and lows. I feel very fortunate to have access to all the basic facilities and daily essentials because I know people for whom getting things was very difficult. Having my parents around in good health has been the biggest blessing for me. This phase also helped me to know who my real friends are. I now have fewer friends but they will be there for life.

Like many others, being cooped up at home was the most difficult thing initially as I was used to my erratic shooting schedules. But staying safe was of utmost importance. The lockdown has taught me not to take life for granted and that it’s completely unpredictable. So, one must work on their goals and live life to the fullest. I realised the importance of spending quality time with my family. So, spending time with family as often as possible has been my biggest lesson.

The unprecedented break brought with it many highs and lows and we can’t deny the fact that this phase affected us mentally and emotionally. Although most of us have come out stronger, I have understood that mental health is as important as physical health. I started meditation during the lockdown and now, it is a part of my daily routine. It helps me stay calm even during the tough phase. I also learned how to cook and now I often experiment in the kitchen. The lockdown has taught me that often things don’t stay the same, so it’s necessary to work towards your goals and cultivate a hobby as it keeps you happy and sane in the long run.

A lot has changed since the first lockdown was imposed. Initially, I was in a mentally and physically relaxed pace. But as the weeks passed, I figured out that this isn’t a lifestyle I wanted to have and started making conscious choices. From improving my sleeping and eating habits to getting back to workouts, I started working on my physical and mental well-being. I consciously started thinking about positive things that helped me stay in a better space mentally and emotionally. Reading has now become an integral part of my routine.

The initial few days were very difficult for all of us. From figuring out things to coping with the virus, shortage of daily essentials, loss of a job – it all came at a very high price. I consider myself lucky as I had it a bit easy. While it has made me grateful for all things and people in my life, the prolonged break allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming a yoga teacher. I’m a certified yoga teacher now. However, making my daughter self-sufficient and making her understand and learn the necessary life-skills has been the biggest takeaway from the lockdown.