The Lockdown Diary: Shaheer Sheikh

How would you describe this lockdown period?

• We are in this together

What new hobbies have you started in this period?

• Gardening, Cooking and I have even started painting. This is the first time that I am using oil paints. Let’s see how it turns out. So I had this canvas and everything for quite some time, but I never got the time. I see it lying in a corner and say to my self that one day... but that time never came. But now it feels like the right time.

Three films/web series/content pieces you've loved watching during this lockdown and would like to recommend to fans?

• I love watching the “That 70s show”. The one that stars Ashton Kutcher. It has a nice star cast and it is fun as it is a light-hearted comedy show.  
• Also, they are rerunning the Mahabharat on Star Plus. I think it teaches you a lot about life.

You shared how you have been cooking all your means these days, but is there something that you miss eating or drinking the most?

• (Smiles sheepishly as he answers) I love cheese! So yes, I am missing all the things made out of cheese.
• The pastas and pizzas. Nowadays, one cannot order from outside and yeah, I want to keep it like a little healthy. Eat clean. So yes, I'm trying to avoid all that.

What's the one skill you did not know you had?

• If this painting turns out decent then yeah maybe this painting.

Three places you'll rush to, right after the lockdown is over...

• No, I am going to settle down for a while. I will stay at home only for a few more days.

What is the most annoying thing you've observed during this period?

• Whatsapp forwards. Yeah, even my mother keeps sending me and so do my relatives. Everyone has an opinion about everything and people just believe anything.

What has the lockdown helped you change or realise - emotionally or mentally?

• When you put some seeds in the soil and tiny little plants start coming out, that is when you realise why we call it mother nature. Literally Mother Nature! In this timeframe that was one of the happiest moment for me. Every day the first thing that I do after waking up is to run to the kitchen garden and see how much these plants that I had planted have grown. What an experience it was to see those small tiny little plants coming out of the soil! It was something else. I have never felt like this ever before.

Any message for your fans during this time?

• Keep yourself updated about what we are supposed to do. No matter how many times we thanks all the people who are out there for us, be it the doctors, nurses, policemen it can never be enough. They are out there working risking their lives to make sure that the situation gets better. All the law enforcement department like the cops who are on the roads, they have to stay away from their families to make sure that the streets empty that keep the people remain inside. And, whenever you can just help whosoever you can in any way possible. Make sure you do whatever you're supposed to do. See, this is the easiest way to be a Hero. It can't be simpler than this. You just have to be at home to save lives. So yeah, just do what you're asked to do.