Be safe, not sorry

Gurnaaz Kaur

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The Coronavirus scare has surely taken the sheen off Holi celebrations in Chandigarh this time around. So, is the growing fear becoming a dampener in B-Town as well? Are celebrities deciding to call off their plans? Probably not everyone!

Actor-director Abhinav Shukla and his wife Rubina Dilaik will stick to the plan. “I celebrate Holi each year with Rubina and our friends. Just like last year, we will be celebrating it at our friend’s place where we do use water, but it’s generally limited to just a tub full; we use dry colours and just dance as well as eat.”

Just hype

Abhinav says the whole Corona thing is a hype! “I guess it’s more of panic and hype. Humans have survived much deadlier viruses. Also, I guess it’s a lottery system; nature has it ways and I respect it. I am not going to panic about it. My father was a scientist and his colleagues were into pathology and microbiology, and study of viruses and how it spreads and mutates, so I understand the beauty with which nature works and more beautifully how our immune systems work.”

It’s not the virus, but work that will keep Mandy Takhar away from the fun of this festival. “Holi is among my favourite festivals, but we have the shoot that day. Maybe we’ll do something post the shoot.” Mandy thinks there’s too much noise around Corona. “The emphasis on washing hands is a little humouring though. Like people didn’t wash their hands earlier! Safety is important but if we say avoid going out and other such things, it’s like we are telling people to stay indoors and avoid living life as usual. That’s extreme.”

Remain cautious

Ace actor Pankaj Tripathi believes in taking precautionary measures. “I will avoid going into a crowd. As it is, I am not much of a party person, but in this case, safety first. I know Coronavirus isn’t spreading that much in Mumbai or in India for that matter, but it would be best for everyone to take precaution. Just be with your near and dear ones, so that it is safe Holi for everyone.”

Many TV actors are following suit. Amit Singh of Shaadi Ke Siyape sitcom says Corona fear has gripped their world too. “This Holi is going to be a hush-hush affair given the circumstances and situation around us. I am going to spend this year with my family.”

Vatsal Sheth agrees with Amit’s idea, “I will spend it with my immediate family. I just feel that as responsible citizens we should avoid big gatherings.” It’s no Holi for Mantra Mugdh too. “Events have been cancelled. But let’s focus on the positive. It’s a great opportunity to spend time with yourself and add colour to your life.”

Family time

Ridhima Pandit, who is better known as Rajni of Bahu Hamari Rajni Kant, says. “Holi is one of my favourite festivals and I love to celebrate it with friends, but, unfortunately, this year I am petrified. Even though with the temperature here it is unlikely to attack us, it is better to be safe than sorry. We all will collectively choose another date and celebrate once the scare is over.”

Adds Shivangi Joshi of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata-fame, “I am going to celebrate at my home-town, Dehradun, after seven years. I will be with my family. It’s the need of the hour to support and cooperate with the authorities.”

gurnaaz@tribunemail.com