Radhika Bhirani (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 27, 2020)

A steep rise in crimes against women amid the Coronavirus lockdown, has led actor Shreyas Talpade to raise his voice against it in a video. He tells us, “It is insensitive, and pathetic. I request all those men who’re doing it, to stay away from doing this.”

The 44-year-old, who is sharing household chores with his wife, adds, “A lot of men are helping their wives, but unfortunately, there has been this rise in domestic violence cases. I feel sad about it because now is the time to be together.” And so, he urges people who either experience or witness it, to report these cases.

On a lighter note, the actor has directed a fun ‘Stay home, stay safe’ video where his childhood friends —hardcore Amitabh Bachchan fans — who’re in different professions, have turned actors. This video, Talpade feels, has made their connection stronger.

The actor also feels that the “best thing” about this lockdown is the “ample quality time” he is getting to spend with his daughter Aadya, who’s now 23 months old. “More than me getting to know her, she’s got to know her father,” adds Talpade.