Tanvi Trivedi and Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; April 4, 2020)

While the nation is going through a 21-day Coronavirus lockdown, we spoke to some Bigg Boss 13 contestants, who were locked up inside the house, cut off from the world outside, for months together. Here’s what they said about surviving this phase of isolation...

SIDHARTH SHUKLA
It is quite easy to lose one’s sanity in these times. Right now, people may be getting bored and feeling lazy, which is understandable. However, this is our chance to prove our love not just for our near and dear ones, but also for our country by staying at home. In the Bigg Boss house, the only thing that kept us going was that we were being entertained by each other. While in Bigg Boss, we had no contact with the world, in the lockdown situation, you are staying in your house with your loved ones. There won’t be fights... here it’s a very different scenario and can be fun. Also, you are not being screened all the time! I feel it is easy to stay sane at home and, this is our chance to be soldiers for mankind and not let the virus spread.


RASHAMI DESAI
Yes, we were locked inside the Bigg Boss house, but this situation is extremely serious. Fortunately, people have a lot of options to keep themselves occupied, unlike the reality show. We don’t get to spend time with ourselves when we are working, so use these days to pamper yourself. Catch up on your reading and practise yoga and meditation. Spend quality time with your family, which we miss out on in our busy lives. This phase is difficult, but we can sail through it by focusing on the positive aspects.


VISHAL ADITYA SINGH
In the Bigg Boss house, we couldn’t meet, see or talk to anyone, but that’s not the case in the real world. At some point, all of us have yearned for a time when we get to focus on ourselves. This is the time to do that. Also, you can pursue your hobbies and interests, which you couldn’t earlier, owing to lack of time. In my case, I am learning to play the guitar by attending online tutorials, reading poetry and watching documentaries. Look around, and there are a lot of things to keep yourself occupied with.


ARTI SINGH
At a time like this, counting your blessings really helps. What’s most important is to stay positive and keep reminding yourself that the lockdown period will end soon. Use this time to learn something new, or indulge in your hobbies. For example, I love cooking and I try a new recipe every day. The key is to keep yourself occupied and not let boredom set in.


SHEFALI JARIWALA
Like the Bigg Boss house, where I followed a routine, my husband Parag (Tyagi) and I are following a daily schedule rather than give in to boredom and laziness. Patience is the most important thing right now, the way it was in the Bigg Boss house, too. If we avoid going out, we will be able to fight this situation. My husband and I exercise, meditate, pursue our hobbies and keep away from unnecessary updates on social media.

PARAS CHHABRA
It feels like the Bigg Boss house was a training ground for the situation we are facing today. In the house, I loved to wake up to music and start dancing. It was a mini workout, which set the ball rolling for the day. Whenever you dance and exercise, you feel good. One tip I would like to give everyone is to occupy yourself with productive work. The lockdown has given us an opportunity to spend time with our family and meditate. People should use this opportunity to the fullest and stay indoors.