While the pandemic has affected everyone in various ways, trolling of celebs on social media went to another level. Arbaaz Khan, who too has often been bullied online, admits he doesn’t take it seriously as his peace of mind is important.

“There was a big section of people, like a wave, who trolled celebs. It became trendy to go after celebs because of the kind of brainwashing that happened due to certain media channels. It was a pandemic in its own way. It was fashionable to go after celebs, who are achievers or even ones who aren’t doing much. It was all so disturbing. Some handled it gracefully, some lashed out, others were upset and some ignored it. It was unfortunate and taught us a lot,” says the actor, who feels sometimes certain things happen to teach us a lesson.

“Last year taught us the magnitude of social media and how it affects lives. It is no more about posting fun pics, about dining or travel. We are all accountable for whatever we do online. There is a sense of responsibility as well,” shares Khan, who is currently busy with his chat show.

He admits that during the Coronavirus pandemic, lockdown and unlock phases, most celebs were not affected as much as others, but says everyone felt the brunt in some way. “We were all taken aback and disturbed in the larger sense, more for others than for ourselves. For people like us, to whom God has been kind, we could take it and it was a much-needed break. But we didn’t enjoy the break as the suffering around affected us too. We tried to help as many people as possible. On the other hand, even we had bills to pay and things to take care of. We felt the crunch too, but of course, it wasn’t the same like many others who suffered, whose daily lives were affected,” he says.

Emphasising the need to get vaccinated, Khan adds, “There was lack of beds, medicines, oxygen among others. Thankfully, things are better now and getting jabbed is the only way out.”