Portraits of Isolation: 141 Celebrities Share Their Experience of the Summer of 2020
Cosmo India captured the beauty of isolation through a series of stunning portraits. We asked 141 brand friends to photograph themselves at home and share their quarantine experience. Read to discover the stories of Manish Malhotra, Honey Singh, Scherezade Shroff, and many others. (Part 3)
Cosmo India captured the beauty of isolation through a series of stunning portraits. We asked 141 brand friends to photograph themselves at home and share their quarantine experience. Read to discover the stories of Manish Malhotra, Honey Singh, Scherezade Shroff, and many others. (Part 3)
191. Nikhil Mehra-“This lockdown has unlocked a new me—I am calmer and more loving towards myself. I am meditating a lot, and communicating regularly with my loved ones...my team, friends, and family. This time has made us realise that less is more. I think we need to start to build a country with no caste and class disparity, and more respect for every citizen. It is really important to come together as a community now, to create a better world.”
292. Siddartha Tytler-“While the first week was torture, my emotions have stabilised, thankfully. The lockdown has been tough, but it has helped me cut out some bad habits and I am feeling really good about that. It has also allowed me to reconnect with some old friends, and help the ones who aren’t taking this too well. I just hope we all can support each other in this time of need and come out of this as better people.”
393. Akanksha Deo Sharma- Visual Artist and Designer,“I have been introspecting a lot lately and discovering many aspects of myself. It’s almost like I’m getting closer to the person that I truly am. I’ve been cooking occasionally, watching movies, and attending virtual workshops and seminars. Moving forward, we need to actively understand that we live in symbiosis with other life forms. This is a time to make reforms.”
494. Aastha Atray Banan- Author and“Surprisingly, most days, I feel good. I am busy with weekly articles, writing fiction, and working on my next book. What we need more of currently is restraint, patience, and acceptance. We must all come forth and donate to fight the issues faced by the less privileged. I am an eternal optimist, hence, I feel confident that we can overcome these challenging time and thrive once again.”
55“I wanted to do something to help people, so I started Quarancharity with my friend Pri Shewakramani, where we raised nearly `30 lakh. The next few months are going to be tough for all of us, and we need to stay positive. I keep thinking that we will all forget this time...we need to keep everything we learn from this experience and take it forward with us.”
696. Zoe Modgill-
Fitness“This lockdown has taught me the importance of time. Ever since it began, I have seized every opportunity to better myself. I feel this incredible pressure of never getting such uninterrupted time again. I have also learnt the importance of routine—for productivity, positivity, and the mind—in order to keep yourself fit and healthy. I truly wish to encourage people to stay fit and healthy with just the basics.”
797. Alisha Abdullah- Racing“My day, even in the lockdown, is usually packed! I like to do new things every day. But I do feel sad looking at all that’s happening around us due to this pandemic, especially to the animals. I’m spending most of my time trying to make myself a better person. I’m learning to become a cosmologist, so that takes up a lot of my time. I also spend an hour, every day, feeding stray dogs.”
898. Amrish Kumar- CEO, Ritu Kumar“There are ups, downs, and difficult moments. But overall, it’s been quite nice to switch off from the everyday rigours of work and life stress. We should cut back on our consumption of media, in terms of keeping track of the increased cases every day. Finally, remember that there are ways to help, while also being more mindful of the environment and our surroundings.”
999. Amish Tripathi- Author and Director of the Nehru Centre,"I have realised the difference between being a loner and a monk! In this quarantine period, I am living completely by myself, in London...a cold and unfamiliar city that I have just shifted to. I always thought of myself as a bit of a loner, but that meant you still had a social circle, even if a limited one. But having none is like being a monk!”
1010“Initially, I was a bit agitated about being stuck at home. But then I devised a routine for myself, including exercise, shooting drills, studying, yoga, and spending time with my family. This has helped me maintain a healthy frame of mind and find happiness in little things. I also get many assignments from my basketball coaches via online classes, and I am preparing for SATs, too, so I have a lot on my plate. I am hopeful that I can get into a good university and build a career in basketball. We must fight this pandemic together, as a team. We just need to keep our spirits high!”
11101. Anand Bhushan-“A sense of anxiety and disbelief looms large during the day. I find solace in basic activities that I had started taking for granted earlier. Simple things like cooking with my family, binge-watching Netflix with them, or sharing laughter are sources of great energy. Toxic social media is something we can completely do without. I hope we find happiness again in the new world.”
12102. Anamika Khanna-“The lockdown arrived with its paradoxes. I’m an optimist and believe in living in the present, so I have been using this time to rest, exercise, eat mindfully...and think about fashion. There are moments when I feel strong and powerful, ready to face challenges. And then there are times when I worry, too. I have managed to streamline my day—mornings include a bit of meditation and exercise. I think of design through the day, sometimes even indulge in the luxury of a nap. The need to help those in need is paramount. Everyone can do with a of assurance and support right now.”
13103. Anuja Chauhan-“I wake up feeling grateful that everybody from my close circle is safe and healthy. Then there’s a cycle of panic and frustration (from watching the news), self-righteousness (while I clean), irritability (while I write), claustrophobia (when the erstwhile empty nest feels just a little too full), and usually a return to a happy, grateful mood before bedtime.”
14104. Ranveer Brar-“My mood in the lockdown has been a mixture of confusion and positivity. I have been keeping myself occupied by making my way to the kitchen, every time nobody else is in it. In this current state of restrictions, I have realised how little we actually need to lead a quality life. My latest YouTube series, Kam Mein Zyaada, proves that you don’t need loads of ingredients to make good, nutritious food...or to be happy, in general. It upsets me to see that hunger is on the rise, especially since I belong to the food industry. Food is life, so please share your meals with anyone around you who is in need.”
15105. Aishwarya Pissay- Motorcycle“I had mixed feelings when the lockdown began, as this was unprecedented. Though I miss riding my motorcycle, I have had substantial time to work on my fitness, indoors. Overall, indoor learning sessions have been productive. The TVS Racing team has been supporting me with regular feedback on my previous races and how I can learn from them. I have been supporting the underprivileged by providing food supplies, feeding stray animals, and using my social media handle to spread awareness about COVID-19.”
16106 Sreemoyee Piu Kundu- Columnist and“I am worried for the poor and underprivileged and questioning our ethics, politics, and compassion. I am also anxious and concerned about the health of my ageing parents and foster daughter. Over the last few weeks, I have been fundraising for the migrant and unskilled workers, artisans in rural areas, trans women and sex workers. It is sad to witness the amount of hate politics currently prevalent in India.”
17107. Archy J- Professional“Even though a lot of us do not socialise or meet our friends and family every day, the fact that we had the ‘choice’ to do so made a big psychological difference. Not having that choice anymore makes me anxious. I am doing my bit by feeding stray dogs around my house. I feel that this pandemic will change a lot of things—we will realise the importance of freedom and everyday things that we all took for granted in the past.”
18108. Augustine Shimray-“I feel peaceful, yet sorry for all the victims of the virus and my heart goes out to their families and friends. I am glad about how Earth is healing, without the pollution and everyday human chaos. As I live on the outskirts of a quaint town, the jungle is my playground and provider, and I spend my time making music, being with my wife, son and dog, and indulging in good, wholesome food. We must share whatever we have and allow our planet to rejuvenate.”
19109. Honey Singh-“I’m trying to keep myself occupied by working out, making music, writing songs, and watching content on YouTube and Netflix. I have also been doing whatever I can to help the ones in need, including the daily-wage workers—and taking part in various concerts and other endeavours to raise funds. I feel our lives will be better when all this is over. Due to the lockdown, we’ve bonded better with our loved ones, and come closer, emotionally. We’ll value human connection more after this.”
20110. Abha Narain Lambah-“It’s been a mixed bag of emotions for me...sometimes, I’m concerned about the impact of the pandemic; other times, I re-centre and I’m at peace. Self-disciplined, I like schedules and routines. I am using this lockdown to do in-depth research on the Mughal gardens of Kashmir for a UNESCO nomination that I am working on. Scrolling through historic manuscripts and collections of miniature paintings online takes up most of my days. This crisis has made us realise how interconnected we all are, and that we need to work towards creating a more equitable world.”
21111. Sukhmani Malik- Singer and“I’m at peace during this lockdown. Happy and thankful for being healthy. Grateful! Sometimes, I do get overwhelmed with all the chores I’m left to deal with, but then come the small joys, like finding out that I can actually cook! I miss my friends and family, although sometimes I’m just happy that I have so much space and time to explore my mind.”
22112. Shyamli Panda- Tattoo Artist“While my emotions are all over the place, there is an overall feeling of surrender and appreciation for everything I took for granted before the pandemic. I am fortunate to be quarantined with some of the most compassionate and interesting people. Once this is finally behind us, we can further help by supporting local farmers and brands. We must also collectively put pressure on our government to focus on the humanitarian crisis that this pandemic has resulted in.”
23113. Dr Geeta Mehra Fazalbhoy- Celebrity Dermatologist“The lockdown has allowed me to break free from my hectic, calendar-oriented life. This pause has made me realise that my kids are growing up and my parents are growing old, and in my daily rush, I was losing out on these special years. I hope this pandemic makes us work harder towards restoring a natural balance and help the planet heal. ”
24114. Nupur Asthana- Film“I started out feeling calm, thinking that it wouldn’t last more than a few weeks, but then, as the situation grew worse in Europe and cases in India kept rising, I felt scared. The season two of my series, Four More Shots Please! released right in the middle of the lockdown, and I’ve been busy ever since. I’m working on a couple of scripts, so I keep a few hours aside to write, daily. My biggest hope is that a vaccine for this virus is found soon.”
25115. Amrita Thakur-“I have a six-month-old baby who is keeping me on my toes (and also quite entertained!). While most of my day goes into taking care of him, I have been able to squeeze in some reading, cooking, and puzzle time. However, I can’t help but think of how we need to be more mindful and conscious about consumption. And fewer TikTok videos, please! After we recover from this pandemic, I hope there is space for smaller businesses to pick themselves up again and that they have a chance to thrive.”
26116. Rehana Munir-“I’ve been assaulted by all sorts of feelings. Overall, the lockdown has triggered an underlying feeling of vacantness and dread. It’s a strange emptiness. There is this overwhelming feeling of universal chaos and suffering. Very dystopian. There are, of course, bursts of sunshine and laughter in the middle. And the inevitable comfort of delicious home-cooked meals.”
27117. Farah Agarwal- Architect and Founder, Chestnut“I am relaxed...a little lost, but extremely hopeful, too. We need to be positive and understand the concept of healing. We also need more givers of love, patience, support and security to the needy. We need less rumours, less-depressing Forwards, and less panic-buying.”
28118. Neeta Lulla- Designer“Being confined can be unnerving. But we must use this time to do some soul-searching, rediscover our strengths, and do what we love. Although we are faced with constant updates on the current situation via various mediums, we must focus on positivity. We need to be more committed, focused and persevere harder in the future to get things back on track, and make this world a better place.”
29119. Dr Rashmi Shetty- Celebrity Dermatologist and Founder, RA Skin“The initial feeling of confusion turned into happiness for this forced slow-down. Thankfully, since I am a doctor, I wasn’t scared because I receive information on what the virus is capable of and the measures being taken to prevent it from spreading. I have chosen to focus my energy on dancing, sketching, and reorgansing my life.”
30120. Manish Malhotra-“I admit I was a bit anxious in the beginning, but now I am very calm. This is the best time to introspect and indulge in self-care. I have got the opportunity to spend a lot of quality time with my mother. From morning tea till dinner, we are together, watching movies, listening to her childhood stories, my childhood stories, and going through the archives of our family memories. We need to focus on compassion, sustainability, sensitivity, accountability and little less material love in the future. Reinvention and innovation will be imperative in the post-pandemic times. Every small effort can do so much.”
31121. Abhishek Paatni-“I have been feeling a plethora of emotions, including fear, unproductiveness, nervousness, and boredom. But, I also finally have some downtime to introspect and make a few important lifestyle changes. We need to cut down on consumption, in every aspect of our lives, especially in the form of false news and forwarded messages. The future, according to me, should be a collective, long-term collaboration with each other.”
32122. Tanya Ghavri- Celebrity“How I feel during this lockdown changes every few days! There are days I love the alone time and use it for productive things—like baking, exercising, and, more recently, reading. I’m also going back to studying (through online courses)—it was a big self-discovery and has really opened my mind. Then, of course, there are days when a feeling of uncertainty sinks in...”
33123. Antara Motiwala Marwah- Style“There are good days, and then some not-so-good days. But the best part is that you truly find joy in the smallest achievements. Also, we need less negativity and noise on social media. There are too many random opinions, and wrong information being thrown out. We need more empathy, compassion, hope, and an honest kind of positivity. With the right attitude, we can fight this and come out stronger.”
34124. Eina Ahluwalia- Jewellry Designer“I am grateful for the people I love and the privileges I have. Grateful for this pause to slow down, rest, rethink and reconsider life and how we live it. But I am worried for the migrants, daily-wage earners, farmers, street vendors, individual service providers, and the craftspeople...all of whom are struggling to make ends meet currently. Witnessing people help and support those in need is inspiring.”
35125. Falguni Peacock-“I’m feeling calm and rejuvenated. I’m also hopeful for the future. Even though we are staring at the tough times that lie ahead of us, it is the hope for a better future that will collectively make us work towards achieving it. The pandemic has brought with it a plethora of realisations. I hope that, in future, we’ll take better care of our health. I hope that we will value our loved ones and never take them for granted. The pandemic has made us see how much we care for even those we may not be in touch with regularly, and that it doesn’t take much to drop them a text or a call, and just check up on them.”
36126. Arti Nayar- Celebrity Make-up“The lockdown came at a time when I needed to slow down and concentrate on myself. However, I still worry about how will it affect work going forward and what my next step should be. My husband and I have settled into a routine, and this helps us look forward to each day. It is also very encouraging to see how everyone has come together to help those in need. This pandemic has made me truly grateful for all the blessings I have.”
37127. Shaili Chopra- Founder, SheThePeople
and“I am a bit overwhelmed, but shining. I spend a lot of my time looking at the sun and the sunsets, to think of us as a people. Emotionally, I feel gutsy and gutted, at different times. I’m spending my time looking for space. Sometimes in the physical sense, and other times, I’m looking for mental space...like a moment to dive into the recesses of my mind. In these times, we need more patience (and wine!), and less goal-setting.”
38128. Shyma Shetty-“To deal with a pandemic in one’s lifetime is distressing and life-altering at the same time. I think we all carry collective grief for what humankind is going through, and within that, we are finding spaces that are deeply personal and transformative. Currently, I’m in a comfortable mental space. I’m talking to my family, team, and friends more than I ever have. I’m excited about the future and rebuilding it in more mindful ways.”
39129. Gaurav Jai Gupta-“Most days are good, and I try to stay mentally strong, and not be negative about the situation. Being patient and having faith in yourself is important. I am hopeful that we will bounce back and come out of this stronger. We all need to be compassionate and empathetic with each other and share in whatever way we can. We must learn to prioritise the things that truly matter.”
40130. Taras Taraporvala-“Some days are better than others. When the lockdown began, it came as a welcome break for me. But as it has gone on for long and become more serious, anxiety due to the unknown has grown. Now, I try to focus on the present and take things day-to-day. Having a routine has helped. My hope is that we can learn a lot from this pandemic. And when we restart, we are more mindful of how we run our lives and businesses.”
41131. Nidhhi Agerwal-“I’m home after the longest time, but I’m a little sad about the reason for it. I’m taking all precautions, taking a couple of online acting courses, working out, cooking, painting and watching a lot of films. I start my day on a positive note, with meditation and gratitude for all that I have. Each day is different—some anxious while others full of hope. I am spending lots of time with family, eating mangoes and drinking lots of lassi! I would like to request everyone to pitch in with whatever they can. I hope we all come out of this lockdown happier, healthier and truly healed from within.”
42132. Malvika Sitlani-“I have been consistently filming content for my YouTube channel. I feel like we have been given this time and we should put our energy into something worthwhile. Learn a new skill... This is also the time to master your craft.”
43133. Saba Azad-“My feelings at the moment are a mixed bag—ranging from peace, calm, and joy, to complete confusion and exasperation. Apart from housework, I’m learning French and playing the guitar, working out, making music, taking a yoga class online, tending to my plants, writing, working on a few scripts, reading, and soaking up as much sun as I can.”
44134. Malini Agarwal- Founder, Missmalini.com, And Author“We need to come together as a country to practice social distancing, so we can flatten the curve. I worry that too many people are breaking the rules, which will hurt everyone down the line. Also, there are so many causes we can donate to, but even within our very close orbit, you can ensure your personal staff, watchmen, drivers and cooks are being taken care of.”
45135. Shriya Som-“Empathy is the main emotion I am experiencing right now. The uncertainty of the situation is a bit disconcerting, and I try to think of a hopeful outcome at the end of this pandemic. I’m thankful that my friends and family are safe, and I am looking forward to a positive, better future. One thing is for certain: we can definitely do without false news!”
46136. Rimzim Dadu- Designer“I’ve been cooking a lot and learning to bake, which is something that has always intimidated me. I’m an instinctive cook, so baking and following exact recipes has never been my thing. Everyone has their own coping mechanisms. Right now, it is so important to be sensitive to everyone around us, without judgement. We live in our privileged bubbles, but the least we can do is be kind to our house/office staff and avoid hoarding rations for our own homes.”
47137. Dr Kriti Bharti- Rehabilitation“This lockdown has given us time to rethink our whole life structure. It has also given us time to work on our weaknesses and further add to our strengths. Sometimes, I worry for the economy of India—the lower and middle class will be the worst hit. Other times, there is introspection, relaxation, and optimism. We are helping some daily wagers and masons find shelter, food, and livelihood. Along with this, I am also spending time nurturing myself by dancing and writing poems.”
48138. Dr Seema Rao- Commando“This is a passing phase, and I’m making the best of the time I have on my hands. My freedom fighter father would often tell me that freedom happened when countrymen came together with the same cause in mind. Similarly, we need to remember that if we stay united, we will get through this crisis faster. What we need most is the discipline to follow the safety norms.”
49139. Snehal Dongre-“Since the lockdown began, I have been feeling like a lost child. I know dealing with this situation is not easy, but I am trying to keep myself busy by creating content for my social media platforms, cooking for my family, playing with my dog, or just listening to music. This pandemic has shown us that life is not a rat race; we need to pause and enjoy it more.”
50140. Payal Singhal-“I am working from home, but along with that, I have been spending time with family, cooking, painting, reading, and taking online courses. From what I have seen in the past few months, we need honest information versus sensationalised news to educate people on how they can protect themselves. This is not going to be ‘over’ as such. It is going to be our ‘new normal’ and we have to be able to adapt to it. ”
51141. Nimish Shah- Designer and Creative Director, Bhaane“I feel most anxious, and sometimes, a sense of calm. We are all going through mixed feelings. I think it’s important to help by keeping an eye out for the less fortunate. Be compassionate, and contribute in your own little way. A simple practice like buying local can help change someone’s life.”
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