Rakul Preet Singh, who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month, took to social media on December 22 to announce that she was Coronavirus-free. Talking exclusively to BT, the De De Pyaar De actress says, “When I got my first symptom, which was just feeling a lot of fatigue, I dismissed it, assuming that it was because I had pushed myself too much. It just didn’t occur to me that it could be COVID. Besides, the unit undergoes a test every three-four days, so the thought that I could be infected didn’t cross my mind. However, I realised that something was wrong and underwent a rapid test. When it came positive, I informed everyone and quarantined myself.”

Fortunately, though, the virus didn’t wreak havoc in Rakul’s life, and the actress attributes that to her positive mindset and healthy routine. She shares, “The indication that you give your mind that you are healthy and fine plays a key role. I kept telling myself that it’s no big deal and that I will be up and about in no time. I believe that a positive mind attracts positive energy. I didn’t have to take too many medicines. I made sure that I was eating good, healthy, and nutritious food. I attribute my speedy recovery to my healthy lifestyle and positive outlook.”

During her recovery stage, the actress says that the loss of senses like smell and taste made her acutely aware of human privileges. She adds, “This pandemic has been a leveller of sorts. No matter what your profession is, how much money you make or famous you are, everyone was confined to their homes. The way this virus takes away your sense of smell and taste, it gives you a reality check of what you are without these human touches, which we believe we are entitled to and is our privilege. From a spiritual standpoint, it has given us a better understanding of normalcy, and made us grateful for something as basic as human touch, or being able to taste our food.”

Now that the actress has recovered she plans to ring in the New Year just with friends and family in Hyderabad, before she resumes shooting for the Ajay Devgn-directorial Mayday on January 2. “The good part is that I am done with COVID this year. I had my fingers and toes crossed that I test negative before the 31st (laughs!). I will be resuming shoot on January 2. I am not travelling as I don’t want to tire myself because I won’t get a break once I start shooting as I have already lost 10 days. My mother came down to Hyderabad to be with me after I tested positive. My dad is here, too. So, I will be ringing in the New Year with family and friends,” she signs off.