International Day of Happiness: TV celebs reveal the simple things that make them truly happy during the pandemic

Happiness means different things to people at different points in life. However, the year that went by, with pandemic and the subsequent lockdown, made each and everyone re-examine that definition and start all over again. Fancy cars, exotic meals, glamorous holidays abroad or owning an enviable farmhouse at picturesque locations defined happiness before the pandemic. In the new normal, it is simple things like quiet moments in a park or by the sea, spending time with family and staycations that are making people happy.

On the occasion of International Day of Happiness (March 20), when BT spoke to celebs to find out about things that made them happy, they skipped the flamboyant places and things for simple joys. Read on...

I love my me-time and indulging in some cooking, reading and watching movies. However, happiness, for me, has always been spending time with people I love. I got an abundance of all that last year, so I promised myself that going forward, I’ll do all the above along with some great work.

The pandemic changed our lives drastically and in the midst of lockdown the only thing that kept me sane was manifesting a better and beautiful world tomorrow. I strongly believed that the best is yet to come. My wife Ripci and I keep inspiring each other to stay positive. My role in Naagin 5 made me happy, too.

In the past one year, my source of happiness has emerged from the simplest of things and I value it the most. The lockdown was tough on everyone, including me. I was not in a state of mind to talk to anyone, but my mother called me every single day. People, who communicate with me through social media, and admire my work also brought about a sense of satisfaction and happiness. Lastly, spending time with my better half (Ruchikaa Kapoor) also defines happiness for me.

My happiness comes from my family and close friends. Besides, I believe we don’t need a reason to be happy. God has been kind to me, be it in my personal or professional life. I have no reason to feel sad.

Additie and I went through difficult times recently and the only thing that kept me going was my work and online singing lessons. I feel that when you are able to pursue something you love, you are happy. I started learning singing during the lockdown months at home and shot for my TV show. Currently, I am not working and considering many opportunities, so I’ve started learning pottery. Doing earthy stuff like pottery, sitting by the window, spending time with Additie and waiting for our baby to arrive, are all reasons to be happy.

The past few months were an eye-opener on how we lead our lives and if there was one thing that made me happy, it was the fact that I could focus on myself. I have led a busy life all these years, but I’ve learnt how to enjoy my own company now and that was the biggest source of happiness. I have understood that I am my own best friend. Learning meditation has also helped me realise that our happiness lies within ourselves. Inner peace and focusing on myself have been my reasons to be happy now.

Nothing stays constant, so being happy hasn’t been difficult for me. And in return, I feel, life has appreciated that quality in me. When you don’t plan things, you are happy. My cat Emma has also been my biggest source of happiness.

Being in the present keeps me happy. Prayers and meditation help me stay calm and composed during the difficult months since the lockdown. We need to practise gratitude and since happiness is a state of mind, you need to change your mindset. I keep away from negativity. Cooking with my wife (actress Ridheema Tiwari), playing with my dogs, my workout, listening to music and reading motivational books give me reasons to be happy.

Little children bring happiness and I find happiness in my nephew Hamdan. I love spending time with him. I also found love amidst the pandemic last year, so I am happy to have found someone like Hasan to share my life with.

I love everything that happens in my life. I cherish the time I could spend with my family and found an opportunity to work after the lockdown. All of these are reasons to be happy.