“Stay indoors, sleep, watch films, eat what you like, though in the right proportions”…. This is the survival mantra that veteran actress Asha Parekh offers her fans during these trying times. “We never saw it coming.And now we don’t know where it is taking us,” Ashaji commiserates as she urges everyone to remain calm.
“I know it’s easier said than done. But panic buying of medicines, hoarding of vaccinations in hospitals is making things worse,” says Ashaji who ran a very successful hospital in Mumbai until it closed down a few years ago. “How I wish we could re-open my hospital. We need as many hospitals as possible.”
What is Ashaji’s daily routine? “I wake up late since there is no urgent work waiting at the start of the day. I do some exercises. It is very important to stay physically active although we are confined indoors. Lack of physical activity can cause many health problems. So walk/run around in your house.”
Ashaji spends time in the kitchen although she has a permanent in-house cook. “It keeps me busy and occupied. Cooking is creative and therapeutic.”
She also makes sure to call at least a few of her friends and relatives every day to inquire about their wellbeing. “This is the time for all of us to reach out to one another. Believe me, it is very comforting to hear from the people whom you know and trust.”
Does Ashaji watch her own films during lockdown? “No that’s just too embarrassing. But I watch my friends’ films: Sadhana (who is no more), Nanda (who is also no more), Vyjanthimala Helen and Waheeda. I enjoy watching other actors’ works more than my own.”
