It’s been a year since the first 21 days of lockdown was announced in India last year amid the COVID-19 crisis worldwide. Since then, life has definitely not been the same. A lot of things changed in the way we have been leading our lives. Now, a year later, the country is seeing a surge in the number of cases once again, leading to a partial lockdown in states like Maharashtra.
Reflecting on the year gone by, a few celebrities share how the pandemic brought about some major lifestyle changes for them and more.
Here’s what they have to say:
Prateik Chaudhary
Paramavatar Sri Krishna actor, Prateik Chaudhary says, “I learnt to eat home-cooked food more, do different workout at home. I feel I have become more reserved as a person. These days I go out less, don’t party much or waste time unnecessarily and try to be more productive by using my time wisely. Basically, I like the person I have become.”
Vijayendra Kumeria
Naagin actor, Vijayendra Kumeria says, “I have understood one thing that mental health is as important as physical health. I started meditation during the lockdown and now it has become a part of my daily routine.”
Prakhar Toshniwal
Ishqbaaz and Bebaakee actor, Prakhar Toshniwal says, “Lockdown had made me realise the importance of friends and family. It acted like a meditative period for me when I could take a small break from the daily hustle and introspect to understand what really matters in life. It has also taught me that no matter how many limitations we have, we can always find a way to do what we want.”
Ashish Johri
Entertainment consultant and head of Bag Films and Media Ltd, Ashish Johri, says , “The major changes are that I have been taking care of myself and my loved ones. Health has become our priority. I am thriving to live life well, following all healthy habits along with working hard to enjoy a better life.”
Prashant Bajaj
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah actor, Prashant Bajaj says, “I understood the importance of being self-dependent. During the lockdown, I did everything myself starting from cooking to cleaning. I have realised that only money can’t buy happiness. It’s being with your family that matters more.”
Piew Jana
Krishna Chali London actress, Piew Jana says, “I realised the value of loved ones and also money. I realised money isn’t everything but everything requires money.”
Munisha Khatwani
Munisha, who has acted in serials like Just Mohabbat, Shaadi No.1, and is now a tarot card reader. She says, “I have learnt to slow down things a bit, have become more dedicated towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Now I follow a proper diet and workout routine and at the same time I have really learnt how to chill. I enjoyed loving my own company because during this lockdown I have mostly been alone. I have also started reading books apart from enjoying my solitude. Thankfully my worked picked up and doing things online was fun.”
Nilam Kenia
Hair and make-up artist, Nilam Kenia says, “I have started taking things as they come with an open mind now than I used to earlier. I still do plan out things but now I don’t stress over whether they would work or not. If they don’t work out, I revise my plan.”
Micckie Dudaaney
CID, Santoshi Maa actor, Micckie Dudaaney says, “One of the major changes that I have implemented because of Corona is that I’ve started eating home food more of home food. I have also started working out at home to stay fit. It also made me realise that you don’t need 100 people to celebrate any occasion you just need your family and close friends to make merry.”
Hrishikesh Pandey
CID and Jag Janani Maa Vaishnodevi actor, Hrishikesh Pandey says, “I also started cooking and doing all other household chores on my own. In fact I have done all these in the past so it did not bother me much. What it made me value more is time. So I started working harder realising how we need to earn well. At the same time, it’s important to disconnect from your work once you come back home and chill. Everything in life is important is what I have learnt.”
Saurabh Kaushik
Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain actor, Saurabh Kaushik says, “We should always live in the present and don’t think of the future and give much more importance to savings are the things I have learnt. And having that me-time is also important. During the lockdown I have been alone in my apartment that was the toughest time for me. But it made me stronger. Such tough times make you realise how important your family is and who are true friends. It also made me realise how important it is to maintain your finances and be prepared for difficult days.”
Well, these sure are some very important changes and lessons that the pandemic has brought with it. I’m sure all of us have our own versions of this!
Here’s hoping we all fight this uncertain and grave situation together by staying safe, indoors and healthy. And until then, make the most out of the situation and stay happy.