Radhika Madan: If you can’t go out, let’s go in

From learning how to bake a cake to taking acting workshops online, Radhika Madan has been keeping herself positively distracted in these tough times. Living alone in Mumbai, the Angrezi Medium actress says she misses her family tremendously but is not letting the blues get to her. Here’s how Radhika Madan is ensuring she stays positive and strong even during these times. Like they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going! (TMM)

Radhika Madan says, firstly, I think it is really important to keep our mental health in check because there is so much fear outside and we just need to disconnect with that as well. One needs to realise that our thoughts are also related to immunity. So, I’m just keeping myself busy and distracted. I have always thought of learning some things if I had time. So, now I’m learning to play the piano, I’m taking tap dancing classes online and learning how to cook. I’m reading books and writing as well. I make sure I work out every day, adding a bit of yoga and meditation. I believe if you can’t go out, then let’s go in.

I think irresponsibility also stems from people not being educated enough. I have told my driver, guard or whoever I can speak on phone about the situation and how we need to take care of ourselves through it. It’s important to educate them so they can tell their families and kids. It’s a small step and something I can do without stepping out of my house.

Radhika Madan‘s family! They are in Delhi and I could not fly back to them as the airports had shut by then.

I really feel we are not going to come out of it as the same people. Whatever we were chasing – money or fame – at the end of the day, it has come down to washing our hands and staying at home! Nobody is talking about anything else. It’s not even about your country anymore, it’s about saving the people in the world. Everyone is united in this. On a personal level, I have started valuing small things – the privilege of having food to eat, staying safe and healthy at home. I am realising the value of family, who we so often take for granted. We keep chasing temporary things but right now, no money, no social status is going to help you.

It was in the theatres for just a day, but it was not in our hands. Also, what’s happening now is far bigger than our individual interests. We can’t crib about it. That’s the reason we decided to release it digitally. We had made this film to entertain the audiences. In this scenario, where there is so much fear, we wanted to give people a break, put a smile on their faces and entertain them while they are home.

The response has been really nice. I get so many messages every day and it’s so humbling. I couldn’t be more grateful.

The value of art becomes even more important during such times. When wars happen, soldiers take a break by either singing or dancing. It energises them and that’s what art does. You must be seeing a lot of musicians going online, concerts happening online. There are people cooking and baking, but why are they resorting to that? Because it’s an art. You are creating food. My mom has started painting. I’m learning dance. There is something magical about art that it makes you feel home.

Oh yes, definitely! I saw Parasite recently and also finished You. I have been catching up on a lot on things I missed out on. I have also enrolled for online workshops for acting and writing. I’m making sure I come out of this as a better human being and artiste.

We play on the House Party app! I play with my school friends from Delhi. I used to make sure I meet them every few days but it’s been a month now we haven’t met, so we video call every single day. In Mumbai, of course, there is Sanya (Malhotra) who is my family here. She is also alone here so I make sure I chat with her and see if she is okay.

I just resort to my books. Reading the right books and watching the right things has been my go-to during this time. Art has been my biggest support.

Your 2 am pal in these times: My mom

Your midnight cravings: I miss rasgullas! I have a big sweet tooth. I dream about rasgullas, barfis and jalebi!

Stress buster: Music and dance

The first person you want to meet once this is over: My family and two best friends

Your message to everyone: I know it’s frustrating for a lot of us to be at home all the time but that’s what we need to do. Try and see the positive side of it. I stay by the beach and I can see the colour of the sea changing. There are white birds all around. Nature is healing itself and that’s what we should allow for ourselves as well.

Outfit- @benetton_india @prpundit
Styled by @sukritigrover
Photograph by @devsphotographyofficial

Make up and hair: @ritikavatsmakeupandhair @deepalid10

Styling by @sanjanabatra

Outfit: @mandirawirkhq

Photograph: @tejasnerurkarr