Mental health can become a serious issue
THIS FORTNIGHT, HTCITY WILL THROW THE SPOTLIGHT ON MENTAL HEALTH AND RELATED CHALLENGES IN THE WAKE OF THE COVID-19 CRISIS
Actor Himansh Kohli, who had taken a twoyear-long sabbatical after a few of his films didn’t work at the box office, was set to make a comeback with Boondi Raita, the shooting for which was to start in April. But, the lockdown threw a spanner in the works. “It was quite disturbing for me as I was hopeful to be back with new vigour,” the Yaariyan (2014) actor says. He admits that it wasn’t easy to come to terms with the situation, and the sudden slowdown on the work front did make him feel quite depressed. “I was preparing for this comeback but the lockdown suddenly happened and our schedules in Dehradun and Rishikesh got cancelled. It was quite depressing initially,” he reveals.
Worried about the future, Kohli, 30, adds, “Uncertainty is very disturbing. We all are facing it right now. Mental health is something which can become a serious issue. I know how it affects you. The initial low phase was difficult for me to handle.”
On top of that, he couldn’t go back to his home in Delhi. “It’s important to stay close to your loved ones in such difficult times. And that made me more sad,” says the actor, who flew to Delhi after the relaxations in the lockdown to be with his family. Kohli shares that during the period when he was lonely, he’d calm his nerves by telling himself that nothing is permanent, and this, too, shall pass. “Only a positive attitude can help us sail through. This is what my family and friends made me believe in all over again. The daily calls really helped.”
Back home now, Kohli looks forward to spending time with his parents and sister after his quarantine period. He is enjoying watching films and shows, and continuing with his acting and vocal training sessions, too. “I’ve also discovered a new passion for sky gazing,” he shares.