VJ and actor Cyrus Sahukar has been at home in Mumbai all alone since the lockdown.
“It’s been an interesting time for me, since I’ve never been alone for so long. Initially, it was tricky to have to handle all the work myself. But I now I’ve gotten used to it. And I now find it to be truly therapeutic to have so much time for introspection. Being isolated can be a gift. And I’ve realized that,” says Sahukar.
Cyrus has also had time to observe himself more closely. “I think I’ve been too critical of myself all the time, which I’ve improved upon. I’ve been watching a lot of films and serials and most important of all, I shot for two series The Missing Apron and a series of interviews, from home. I learnt a lot about the technical aspects of filmmaking while shooting from home. My film Kadak was also released. So I am professionally in a happy space. I’ve finally started doing meditation and breathing exercizes. These have calmed me.”
Cyrus considers his work to be his exercise. “My work is my work-out. Between the jhadoo-pocha and washing clothes to watching 100 videos to conclude that only one is funny…mera to work-out ho gaya. Abb aur nahin kar sakta main.”
Is Cyrus eating and sleeping more? “I’m eating more than usual during lockdown. My sleep cycle has gone for a complete toss. I don’t know about that. I do get restless. The first three hours every day is fine. Then I get restless. I think we’re living a whole week each day. I am trying to cope with the restlessness. I’d say 50 percent of the time I am okay. The rest of the time I am crabbit trying to cope with myself.”
His advice to his followers? “I think this is a time when we need to stop being over-critical of ourselves. While I am doing a household chore there is a part of me watching and judging me. I think it’s time we stopped being so harsh on ourselves. Stop feeling the constant anxiety of proving yourself. That will also help you to be gentle towards others. First, learn to be gentle towards yourself, then you can be the same with others.”
