‘I will not take anything for granted now.’
Sonal Chauhan was about to start shooting for a Web series when the lockdown happened.
The Jannat actress tells Patcy N/Rediff.com, “It’s a tough time. Everyone has taken a very big hit.”
What were you working on before the lockdown?
I was working on a Web series. We had not started shooting, but the rehearsals had started.
The film industry decided to shut down the sets long before the actual lockdown happened.
It was on March 15, I think, when we were told that from the next day, the film industry would be shutting down and nobody could shoot.
How are you spending your time at home?
I never really thought I would say this, but my life has become busier now.
When I was working, there were occasional days off or times when you could take an afternoon nap.
But now, my sister and I have absolutely no help and we have to do everything on our own, from sweeping, mopping, dusting, cleaning, washing dishes, everything…
We wake up in the morning, have some green tea and then start doing household work.
By the time you eat breakfast, you think about what to make for lunch.
Then you have lunch, do some cleaning, speak to family, and then it’s time to think about what to eat for dinner!
You cook dinner and then eat it.
By then, you’re so tired you just want to sleep.
There are a bunch of things that I am doing.
I like to sing, so I am exploring that side of myself.
I like to read and write poetry.
What are you missing?
The only thing I miss is to be with family.
Today we are in a situation where there’s a lot of uncertainty and confusion.
We don’t know when this lockdown will be lifted.
Even when it does, will it be safe to travel and meet our loved ones? That part bothers me. Otherwise, I am fine.
What would you like to do when the lockdown is over?
The first thing I want to do is travel. I want to go to Delhi and meet my parents.
But what I’m really craving for is a tub of vanilla ice cream. That’s not available right now.
I want to get back to work. We should all get back to work.
I am a bit of a loner. I don’t really go out much.
I meant to catch up with my friends, but I kept pushing it. Now, I feel I should have met them.
I will not take anything for granted now.
Once the lockdown is lifted, I assume homeless and needy people will be in a better position, but in my own way, I want to help.
Are you watching any series?
I am really binge-watching!
I finished this Netflix series, You. It’s a very dark show about this guy who had some unresolved childhood issues and that’s why he has turned into a serial killer.
Every time he meets a girl, he gets super possessive and ends up killing her.
I have been a psychology student and have always been interested in it. Even during the lockdown, I am brushing up my psychology and reading a lot of Sigmund Freud.
I have just started watching Fauda. It’s about spies in Israel.
I am also watching Gossip Girl.
I have grown up watching Gossip Girl. Every girl of this generation will relate to it.
It’s about everything that happens when you’re in school and college.
It’s also about fashion and the things we worry about when we are in school and college.
It’s really interesting.
Are you following any fitness and diet routine?
I have not been able to follow a very strict diet or workout routine.
I have an advantage because I had been very active before the lockdown.
I had been working out for many years, so my body takes to an exercise much better than it would for somebody who didn’t exercise that much.
It’s called muscle memory.
I try to do some yoga or some exercise twice or thrice a week.
I am eating very healthy.
But there are limited sources and grocery; we are not getting everything, whether it’s green vegetables for a salad or any diet food.
I have let go a bit.
Photograph: Kind courtesy Sonal Chauhan/Instagram
After the lockdown is over, what work will you start on?
My Web series will start because we have a ready set. The production house is bearing a big loss because they have to pay for that studio.
I was supposed to start on a movie, but I don’t know about that now.
There is a lot of uncertainty.
I hope for the best, we can’t really complain.
It’s a tough time. Everyone has taken a very big hit. But it’s important to do the responsible thing now.
I tell myself that and keep positive.
