Aakanksha’s unusual effort for COVID-relief

She’s put up items from her wardrobe for sale to raise funds

Last year, just a week ahead of Diwali, Aakanksha Singh was looking forward to visiting her family in Jaipur. And then she got a call telling her that her parents-in-law and three other relatives had tested positive for COVID19. But that did not stop her from going to Jaipur. “My husband (Kunal) and I decided to go ahead with the trip,” she says. They stayed at a hotel and coordinated with doctors regarding the treatment and hospitalisation of their loved ones.

“It was one of the toughest phases,” recalls Aakanksha. “Coordinating with doctors, checking up on your family, ensuring that all is well with them, answering relatives’ calls about their condition… it was all extremely stressful” she says.

The actress is currently back in Jaipur, since no shootings are taking place. She was supposed to be in Hyderabad for a script narration, but with the Telangana government imposing a lockdown she has postponed her trip. Explaining that she had come to Jaipur to be with her family during these tough times, Aakanksha says she is quarantining herself as a precaution. “We are living in unprecedented times, and the situation outside is very scary,” the Devadas actress points out. During the crisis, Aakanksha has been trying to do her bit. She has been putting up items from her personal wardrobe for sale, to raise funds for COVID-19 relief. “I will put in an amount equal to the sale price,” she shares, adding that she had wanted to start such an initiative long back, but the present situation made it happen. And the response has been great. The actress reveals that the gown which she wore for the audio launch of her first film was recently sold. “It was an emotional moment, but I was happy that it for a great cause,” she says. The items will be shipped to the buyers after the lockdown is lifted. Commenting that she couldn’t wait for 2020 to end, Aakanksha says the second wave is even scarier than the first, and notes that these difficult times are taking a toll on people’s mental health.

“I personally experienced what families go through when their loved ones get the disease. I know how tough it is, and I don’t want others to go through it. I am doing my best possible,” she says.

I personally experienced what families go through when their loved ones get the disease. I know how tough it is, and I don’t want others to go through it. I am doing my best possible, to help.