Sangeeta Yadav (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 2, 2020)

Actor Ileana D’Cruz loves to travel, but she’s making the most of the Coronavirus lockdown, trying her hands at painting and cooking. Away from her family, the actor, 33, admits it’s tough sometimes, but tells us she isn’t letting her mental health get affected by the crisis.

Over two months into lockdown... how are you holding up?
Sounds strange but it doesn’t feel like so much time has gone by. I’m used to living on my own. It’s been therapeutic. I’m organising stuff at home, redecorating, making a few pieces of art and cooking. But I miss my family. I’m thankful they’re safe, though in a different corner of the world (in the USA).

Is there anything called work-from-home for actors?
Absolutely, virtual narration is the new thing now. But I miss being on the set.

Do you believe in such a crisis, one should be more cautious about their mental health? How are you coping with stress?
Irrespective of the pandemic, I’ve always maintained you should prioritise mental well-being as you’d physical well-being. I have an amazing family and a beautiful support system with some wonderful friends. It helps to have mental well-being in times when you need to pour your heart out to someone.

Do you think getting back to a ‘new normal’ might take a toll on people’s mental well being?
See, safety will be of utmost importance. I’m learning not to take anything, especially life, for granted.