'We have been given time to look deep within, learn to laugh again, to understand that there is so much more to life than just trying to make life happen.'
Arjun Rampal is mopping floors, changing his son's diapers, playing poker during the lockdown.
"I prefer to observe my thoughts," he tells Subhash K Jha.
Are you bored staying indoors for over two months?
On the contrary, I've taken this time to get healthy and fit.
I had knee surgery in January and had to get fit for the film I was filming in Karjat.
Which film is this?
I can't give the details of the film now.
But it has got a lot of action and was physically very challenging.
I had set up my gym and was training hard before the lockdown. I just stuck with the same routine post the lockdown.
Are you eating more than you normally do?
I've been eating healthy food.
Of course, have indulged myself now and then, especially on some carrot cake which Gabriella made.
How are you coping with your impatience?
By resting it out.
What is your advice to your audience on coping with this quarantine?
Nobody saw this coming, so obviously no one was prepared for it.
Yet, for me, I truly believe it is nature's way of rebooting.
We have consumed so much on this planet. We have been selfish and greedy... chasing material pleasure, being a part of a race that leaves one tired and lonely, not having time for people we love or live with, being there but at the same time, being absent.
Is this nature's way of pulling us back?
Absolutely. When this pandemic paralysed us, we have been given time to look deep within, share and spend quality time with our loved ones, reconnect with friends after 30 years, learn to laugh again, to understand that there is so much more to life than just trying to make life happen.
Does the reality outside your quarantined paradise bother you?
Images of people walking hundreds of kilometres with their loved ones are the images we must never see.
To be more considerate, compassionate and generous are qualities we must awaken within us.
These are testing times, but also the time where human character can be developed in a more humane way.
We must never forget this and the importance of nature and all living creatures.
Are you binge-watching on serials?
Binge-watching would be the easiest way to escape or distract one's mind.
I prefer to observe my thoughts.
Read.
To create a better experience going forward.
Revisit the scripts that I will be working on.
Reconnect with old school friends.
Learn new recipes.
Mop floors.
Cleaned my son's dirty diapers.
Play poker online.
I don't think I told you something about my activities.
What?
I have a poker site called Poker High. I've spent a decent amount of time interacting with players who play there.
Has the lockdown given you ample time with your son?
Oh yeah! It has been a blessing. An amazing bond has formed.
