Strike a pause

Radhika Apte turns writer, Shabana Azmi is savouring family time and Ananya Panday is belly dancing—here’s how they’ve kept busy away from the limelight and in lockdown

SHABANA AZMI

For veteran actor Shabana Azmi, self-isolation has been an inward journey, filled with peaceful moments, conscious choices and catching up with her husband Javed Akhtar.

How has social distancing changed you?

“I am making a conscious decision to differentiate between what I need and what I want. We, as humans, have always had an excess of everything. At this point, our major responsibility is to extend ourselves to help others until it hurts. If you can do it easily, then you are not stretching yourself enough.”

What are you doing differently now that you weren’t before?

“With our busy schedules, I wasn’t getting enough time with my family. So now, I’m really savouring the time I’m getting to spend at home with Javed.”

Something you’ve found a new respect for?

“My health. I have realised that we need to take care of our health. It is our responsibility.”

What gives you hope?

“The thought that this too shall pass, like everything does.”

COMFORT FOOD: “Khichdi, kheema, papad and til ki chutney.”

BINGE LIST: “The Chilean film A Fantastic Woman and the TV shows Defending Jacob and Mrs America.”

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Gordimer’s Jump And Other Stories. > —As told to Sonal Ved