Shikha Shah (BOMBAY TIMES; May 14, 2020)

Freddy Daruwala’s father, aged 67, has been tested positive for Coronavirus and is in home isolation. We talk to the actor about the struggles of being a caring son as well as a responsible father to a 15-month-old. Excerpts:

‘DEALING WITH A COVID-19 POSITIVE FAMILY MEMBER STRESSFUL’
We have been under a lot of stress, especially when we were waiting for the test results. I felt emotionally drained. Not knowing what had happened to my father left me worried. When the reports were revealed, the BMC was prompt in taking action and asked us if my father had any preconditions like diabetes, heart disease, cancer etc. Fortunately, he doesn’t. He didn’t have any major symptoms. Moreover, we have enough room for him to stay in isolation while being comfortable. Hence, we were asked to have him under home isolation and we were happy to do that. This way, someone more needy could occupy the bed in the hospital.

‘I’M PLAYING A RESPONSIBLE SON AND FATHER’
Since my father has tested COVID-19 positive, I am playing the middle man between my family and my dad. I have to make sure my dad gets everything he needs and at the same time, keep myself sanitised and sane. I can’t afford to be the carrier of the virus. I am taking utmost care of my 15-month-old son, Evaan. He is confined to one room with his mom and spends most of the time there. I am playing a responsible son and father, making sure all my loved ones are safe.

‘WE ARE TAKING AMPLE PRECAUTIONS’
Since the time my father started showing symptoms of fever and body ache, he started keeping himself at a distance from us. Now, we’re making sure that he is isolated and using only one room and one dedicated toilet. His clothes, bedsheets etc are sanitised with utmost care. The rest of the family is keeping a safe distance from him but at the same time, we’re making sure he doesn’t feel lonely. His recovery is our primary concern, so we’re making sure he takes enough fluids and rest. We are doing everything we can so that his energy levels are replenished. As family members of a COVID-19 positive person, we need not test ourselves since the protocols have changed now. One has to go for a test only if they show any kind of symptoms. For now, we are keeping an eye on our health.