The coronavirus pandemic has got the entire world to a standstill. The film industry, which works round the clock, has also been forced to shut shop. Shootings, events, endorsements… all have been cancelled. Our busy stars have also pressed the pause button to enjoy this forced downtime. We caught up with wonder woman Neha Dhupia, who’s making the most of this family time with husband Angad Bedi and daughter Mehr. And even as she’s enjoying the small joys at home, she cautions her fans and readers about the big threat that the pandemic poses…
What’s the one thing you panicked about when the lockdown was announced?
We’re not panicking about anything yet. I’m just focusing on the positive. I’m a little worried about daily wage workers, who don’t have access to basics like food and shelter. I’m more than happy to help. I’ve already been helping in whichever way possible. What I worry about is that as a nation we need to understand the intensity of the situation and practise social distancing. I’ve seen some worrying videos that surfaced on WhatsApp and even on the news. I hope we understand the need for social distancing.
How are you keeping yourself calm during quarantine?
The only way to get past the quarantine is to stay calm and positive. There’s a huge blessing in being around your loved ones. I’m focusing on that.
What’s your favourite pastime while you’re at home?
Angad and I enjoy doing things together for our daughter Mehr as parents. We watch shows when she’s asleep. We catch up on reading or check what’s going on online. I spend time in the kitchen because I’m trying to work on my cooking skills. (Smiles) It’s a bit weak.
Name three dishes that can be cooked quickly…
Gluten-free pancakes, gluten-free cookies, beet yoghurt. I do a little cooking for my daughter. That goes without saying.
One change you’ve made in your routine that will continue even when the lockdown ends…
We haven’t really changed our routine. Angad and I are early risers anyway. We follow a schedule best suited to our daughter. We’re sticking to that. We don’t want to add more changes in her life. It’s bad enough that she can’t step out. We don’t want her to realise that and miss it.
Name the shows/movies you’ve been binge watching.
We watched Special OPS (Neeraj Pandey’s espionage thriller series), Unbelievable (American series on serial rapes in Washington and Colorado) and The Crown (the series follows the political rivalries and romance of Queen Elizabeth II). I can’t believe I took so long to start watching The Crown. I’m glad I saved it for now. It’s a great show to watch during quarantine.
The lockdown has forced people to stay on social media longer. Are you spending more time on your phone too?
Actually no. I’m not spending much time on the phone. I’m not born for workout videos. I believe it takes away from my workout. Also, there’s so much to do when you have a child at home. My hands are full.
This was an unplanned quarantine. Given a choice whom would you like to spend your lockdown with. What would you stock on?
I’d still want to be in quarantine with my husband and daughter. I’d like to have big play area, for our daughter to run around – something we don’t have now. I’d also like to have a running track because I miss my jog. And of course an endless supply of food and OTT entertainment.
What’s the one thing you panicked about when the lockdown was announced?
We’re not panicking about anything yet. I’m just focusing on the positive. I’m a little worried about daily wage workers, who don’t have access to basics like food and shelter. I’m more than happy to help. I’ve already been helping in whichever way possible. What I worry about is that as a nation we need to understand the intensity of the situation and practise social distancing. I’ve seen some worrying videos that surfaced on WhatsApp and even on the news. I hope we understand the need for social distancing.
How are you keeping yourself calm during quarantine?
The only way to get past the quarantine is to stay calm and positive. There’s a huge blessing in being around your loved ones. I’m focusing on that.
What’s your favourite pastime while you’re at home?
Angad and I enjoy doing things together for our daughter Mehr as parents. We watch shows when she’s asleep. We catch up on reading or check what’s going on online. I spend time in the kitchen because I’m trying to work on my cooking skills. (Smiles) It’s a bit weak.
Name three dishes that can be cooked quickly…
Gluten-free pancakes, gluten-free cookies, beet yoghurt. I do a little cooking for my daughter. That goes without saying.
One change you’ve made in your routine that will continue even when the lockdown ends…
We haven’t really changed our routine. Angad and I are early risers anyway. We follow a schedule best suited to our daughter. We’re sticking to that. We don’t want to add more changes in her life. It’s bad enough that she can’t step out. We don’t want her to realise that and miss it.
Name the shows/movies you’ve been binge watching.
We watched Special OPS (Neeraj Pandey’s espionage thriller series), Unbelievable (American series on serial rapes in Washington and Colorado) and The Crown (the series follows the political rivalries and romance of Queen Elizabeth II). I can’t believe I took so long to start watching The Crown. I’m glad I saved it for now. It’s a great show to watch during quarantine.
The lockdown has forced people to stay on social media longer. Are you spending more time on your phone too?
Actually no. I’m not spending much time on the phone. I’m not born for workout videos.
I believe it takes away from my workout. Also, there’s so much to do when you have
a child at home. My hands are full.
This was an unplanned quarantine. Given a choice whom would you like to spend your lockdown with. What would you stock on?
I’d still want to be in quarantine with my husband and daughter. I’d like to have big play area, for our daughter to run around – something we don’t have now. I’d also like to have a running track because I miss my jog. And of course an endless supply of food and OTT entertainment.
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