Losses inevitable, but better than losing life, says Gippy Grewal

Gurnaaz Kaur

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 7

“Assi pashu te panchhi bol rahe, bhala sukh tan hai. Kyon lok kunde ni khol rahe, bhala sukh tan hai…” For starters, Gippy Grewal brought out this poignant song in the first week of the lockdown. One afternoon, when he was sitting in his garden with his folks, he noticed birds and he felt like they were asking him if everything was fine. From there came the soul-stirring poetry.

“Although we haven’t been fair to mother earth, its resources and all other living beings, even then they are all reaching out to us to know if we are doing fine. I feel the sky, the earth, the trees, the flowers, every insect is praying for our well-being. Thus, these feelings became an inspiration for the song.”

And to our surprise, the song was written, composed, sung and shot all in one day, that too on iPhone. As far as the “house arrest” is concerned, the singer-actor-filmmaker is looking at it as a holiday.

“During our busy days, we keep waiting for the weekend and when Sunday comes and goes, none of us gets to know. This is an opportunity for all those of us who wanted to spend doing things they are passionate about.” Now that includes playing ludo, cricket and carrom with his sons, exercising in the open or at the gym at home, enjoying family time, lapping up web content, watching his sons attend school online and simply being grateful.

“My sons had come for a break from Canada, but couldn’t go back due to the lockdown, but their schools have started, so they stay up till 3 in the morning to study. I tell them it’s an adventure they are living and this experience will help them in the long run.”

He feels it’s important to highlight the brighter side of things to kids. It’s all about being grateful for Gippy. “I fail to understand those who think this lockdown is like a jail. Their focus is on the negative. We should be positive and thank our government for doing everything to save us. In this critical time, all we’ve been asked to do is stay at home. What if it was about being at borders?”

Gippy thinks the pandemic is more like a war and if we don’t learn from our mistakes, we will not survive. “People aren’t taking the situation seriously. I understand the plight of daily wagers, they are hand to mouth. But for all others who are restless to go out and claim it’s for a living, I want to ask them what have they been doing all their life if they couldn’t save enough to stay home for three weeks.”

He doesn’t disagree that the economy will witness a dip and many will bear losses. He is one of those at the receiving end. “We had films on the floor, the release for some was scheduled during this time. So, losses are inevitable but it’s better that losing your life. I had nothing when I started and if this crisis will take me back a few years, I am game for it. At least I’ll have life on my side to make up for this time.”

Gippy has a very relevant analogy to view this confinement. He says you are living the Bigg Boss show. “How different is the current scenario from the reality show? Even when those participants are locked in a house, they have tasks to keep them going. If that is entertaining, then each one of us can form a routine within our houses to keep it active and busy.”

The singer, through his live sessions on social media and otherwise says if we do not have a solution, let’s at least abide by those who are working to find one.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.