Impossible to enjoy postCovid life in the US when India is suffering: Poorna
When India was grappling with the second wave of the pandemic, actor Poorna Jagannathan found herself tormented with “helplessness” and decided to raise funds for the country. “All three of us — Maitreyi (Ramakrishnan; actor), Richa (Moorjani; actor) and myself — had been feeling down and helpless as we watched our feeds explode with overwhelming needs in India. But we felt that together, we could do something to help,” says the US-based actor.
That’s when the trio decided to use the popularity of their show Never Have I Ever to drive attention towards the country’s deadly outbreak. They raised over $100,000 through a virtual fundraiser.
“Our show is deeply rooted in the modern South Asian experience, and we were in the unique position to raise funds and awareness for India. So, we ended up reading part of the first episode from season two, and Mindy Kaling (producer of the show) matched whatever we raised,” says the 48-year-old.
For the Delhi Belly (2011) and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) actor, it’s difficult to breathe easy till things get better in India. “Now, as America melts into post-Covid life, the new freedoms taste like mud. It’s impossible to enjoy them knowing that people on the other side of the world are
I felt paralysed with grief. But I’d force myself to take action every day. POORNA JAGANNATHAN,
Actor
“At the same time, the gross injustices towards Black Americans became so apparent. I felt paralysed with grief. But I’d force myself to wake up and take action every day, no matter how small. And it’s the same with how I’m dealing with the situation in India.” suffering,” she says.
The actor admits that dealing with grief has been “challenging” but she overcomes it with small steps every day. “I went through a really bad patch last summer. We were dealing with the anxiety of a very severe lockdown,” she confesses and continues,