Bhumi says, “It could be something as simple as arranging food or adult diapers — do whatever it takes, but help. Donate plasma if you’re eligible and if nothing, at least verify phone numbers or details before sending them to others. That breaks the chain of misinformation. Also, people have to stop being insecure and hoarding resources.”

Talking about her own war with COVID-19, the actress says that she was not the only one at home with the infection. Her mother, too, had tested positive. “I had a fever, body ache and headache. I didn’t complain of a cough or any kind of heaviness. I didn’t lose my appetite or sense of smell and taste. My recovery process was straight – I followed the procedures, I kept up with all the guidelines. I am doing much better now, but this disease leaves you feeling weak, fatigued, and exhausted. I could not work out. I am someone who works out every day, but it has been difficult lately,” says Bhumi.

The virus often takes a toll on people physically and mentally, even post recovery. Elaborating on how she kept up her spirit, she says, “I kept my morale high by accepting that it will take these many days to recover, and that the fever cycle will break soon, and things will improve. I did a lot of breathing exercises, followed quarantine rules and kept myself entertained with content on TV. I also slept a lot and ate three healthy meals a day. Following instructions to the T helps.”

Speaking about her mother’s battle with COVID, the actress says that it was indeed a big cause of worry for her. “It posed a bigger challenge for me. I was nursing her back to health; I was the only one who could do that. Our rooms are connected through a balcony, so I could help her, while disconnecting ourselves from the rest of the house. I didn’t want my sister or staff to fall ill. My household has been very particular about following norms. It was unfortunate we fell sick and we don’t know how it happened. We have to be even more cautious now.

We are all trying to be safe. The thing is that we can’t completely stop work. At some point, we will all go back and we will be susceptible to infections because we can’t wear masks on camera,” she says.

Coming back to how long she plans to continue with her social media activity to help the current alarming COVID situation in the country, Bhumi shares, “My resolve is to stay as involved with this as possible and connect with the volunteers. When I managed to procure help for someone using social media for the first time, I couldn’t believe it. It was a shot in the dark, but now, I do see a ray of hope. I hope that people help one another.”