Krishna Bharadwaj has recovered from Coronavirus, but recounting the phase when his entire family tested positive along with him gives him nightmares even today. The Tenali Rama actor was in Mumbai when he received a phone call from his brother, who requested him to come back to their hometown, Ranchi, to find a bed for him and his wife.

He tells us, “I reached home the following day and started scouting for beds. After trying relentlessly, I finally got beds in a hospital and got them admitted immediately.”

Unfortunately, by this time, Krishna, too, had tested positive and so had his parents and househelp. “My immediate reaction was panic; I was worried for my parents. Later, my condition deteriorated and my doctor advised me to get hospitalised. I was kept in a storeroom owing to a dearth of beds. There was not a single tap for drinking water. In fact, my brother and I would call up our friends to bring us food and water. The doctor and the nursing staff were caring and hard-working, but those 10 days were nothing less than a living hell. I still get scared while thinking about that phase.”

Krishna’s family tested negative recently and are doing better. He says, “My mom, dad, and the house help tested negative within a week. My brother and sister-in-law were discharged a day later. I tested negative on April 20. Though I haven’t recovered fully and still feel weak, I am sure I will be fine in a few days. I plan to come to Mumbai after that.”

It's one of those cherished moments that Nazia Nasim will remember for decades to come. Last night, the Ranchi-born communications professional became the first participant on Kaun Banega Crorepati 12 to walk home with Rs 1 crore. Ask her how she felt when host Amitabh Bachchan announced that she had hit the jackpot, and she quips, "I spontaneously gave a Miss Universe reaction. I was on top of the world. I was reliving the moment from Slumdog Millionaire [2008]."

The all-important question that earned her the whopping sum was: Which actress won a National Film Award for best female playback singer? Nasim, who is "a voracious reader with a sharp memory", chose Roopa Ganguly from the options provided.

Currently working with Royal Enfield in Gurugram, she reveals that she has been vying for the hot seat ever since the reality show began 20 years ago. "I have been trying to be on the show for years — from the landline days to mobile phones and now, online. My mother [Bushra] is a fan of Mr Bachchan." Nasim intends to keep a part of the prize money for her parents' and in-laws' medical care, and for 10-year-old son Danyaal's soccer training. "I will decide what to do with the rest of the money when the euphoria dies down," she says.

Have you ever wondered what Indian cricket would miss out on had a certain Keshav Ranjan Banerjee not discovered Mahendra Singh Dhoni many years ago? Asserting that the Indian captain made his dream come true by leading India to its second World Cup win in 2011, Banerjee recalls, “I remember the way he had played at the inter-school, Under-19 final. He remained 'not out' till the end of the team's innings! And imagine, I was in a fix whether to send him to bat or not. He displayed great confidence. He always had that spark, and he has been brave about making his choices.“

He's moved by the trailer of M S Dhoni - The Untold Story. But the skipper's first coach maintains he will comment only after seeing the film. “I know the story; I've lived it in parts. The actor (Sushant Singh Rajput) has made a lot of effort,“ says Banerjee whose association with Dhoni dates back to the time when he was studying at Jawahar Vidya Mandir in Ranchi where he was the sports' instructor.

The 50-year-old recalls being impressed by his student's goal-keeping skills. Dhoni sprang across the post to save the day for his team when he was in Class VI. “Looking at his skills, sharp mind and reflexes, I offered him to fill-in as a wicket-keeper. Gradually, he made his space in the team. He'd practice for hours. After one-and-half years, he was selected for the inter school team,“ beams the teacher.

According to Banerjee, what differentiates Mahi from others is that he never argues with his coaches and seniors, which sometimes can work against him. He had never questioned his coach who carved him out of football and fixed him behind the wicket. Having seen Dhoni's journey, which gained momentum from his Ranji Trophy debut at 18, he says, “Mahi's a star now, but he always bends down to touch my feet. Even when I'd gone to see him off at the railway station after his selection for the national team, he did that. I get moist eyed when I remember that day. I couldn't give him anything other than my blessings and coaching. He gave me a far bigger gurudakshina - he still acknowledges me as his first coach. I don't need anything more.“