When celebs talk about their COVID-19 journey, it gives hope to others: Pratik Gandhi

“Since the lockdown was declared, we were completely homebound for almost 140 days, and we still tested positive for COVID-19,” says Pratik Gandhi who along with his brother Punit Gandhi, wife Bhamini Oza, daughter Miraya and mother were tested positive for COVID-19 in July and shared the news with his fans through his social media handle. The Dhunki actor talks about how he rose above the challenges, lessons learnt and more.
‘My entire family had COVID-19, it left me emotionally scarred’
First, it was my brother who started showing the symptoms, followed by me, my wife, and finally my mom and daughter. Honestly, we still can’t figure out how we got it as we were homebound since the lockdown. Initially, we thought it might be seasonal flu, but even after the third day when Punit’s fever didn’t subside and I also started showing symptoms we decided to get tested. We both tested positive and isolated ourselves. However, Punit had to be hospitalised as his scans showed 15-20% infection in the lungs. Soon Bhamini, my mom and daughter also were tested positive. It was an emotionally tough time for me. Over the decade I have gone through many medical emergencies, be it Bhamini’s surgery for a brain tumour (non-cancerous tumour) or a year and a half back when my father was diagnosed with cancer, we have always fought it out. But this time when I fell ill and couldn’t do anything, it hit me emotionally and mentally very hard.”
‘My friends and neighbours were very helpful during this tough time’
As I couldn’t be physically present with my brother, my friend, director Umang Vyas took care of my brother’s food and medications. Our neighbours ensured that we got a daily supply of essentials, fruits and groceries. In fact, we were given a special time slot when we could go to the terrace to get some fresh air. Mumbai mein toh ghar itne chhote hote hai, so isolation can get frustrating. Aapke pass social media hai, but you terribly miss human interaction and fresh air.
‘Yoga helped me to stay focused’
Although I was feeling a little weak, from the seventh day I pushed myself a bit and started doing some meditating and breathing exercises. Later we all did some simple yoga and breathing exercises. Maintaining a log sheet of our health also helped a lot. I would check and record temperature, pulse rate, oxygen saturation and blood pressure of all of us every two hours. Looking at the improved figures gave me strength to fight it out. Bhamini has been my biggest support, especially to my mom.
‘Be kind and just go with the flow; have been my biggest learnings’
COVID-19 taught me to just go with the flow and have faith. Remember, whatever you give to the world will always come back to you. I got help from different people somehow at the right time.
'We need to openly talk & seek help’
When a celeb speaks about the experience of dealing with COVID-19, it helps others to openly talk and seek help. However, every person who has gone through it, has had different symptoms, healing time and experience. We need to ensure that nothing sounds trivial. We need to give hope.