Bollywood stars continue to grapple with COVID-19

COVID-19 continues to act as a huge leveler as Bollywood stars who lead insular and glamorous lives, battle the deadly infection. After most of the Bachchan clan including Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai tested positive for COVID-19 this August, the list of victims continues to rise. Here’s a look at a few recent cases:

Varun Dhawan: Earlier this week, Varun Dhawan took to Twitter to inform his army of fans that he had tested positive for COVID-19. The actor was filming in Chandigarh for his new ‘Jug Jugg Jeeyo’ along with seasoned Bollywood actors Anil Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor. The ‘Coolie No 1’ star shared a post on Monday, in which he claimed that he regretted not being extra cautious.

“So as I returned to work in the pandemic era I have contracted covid-19. All precautions were taken by the production but still nothing is certain in life especially not covid-19. So please be extra careful I believe I could have been more careful. I see the get well soon messages and my spirits are high taking each day at a time. Thank you,” wrote Dhawan.

Neetu Kapoor: As soon as Dhawan announced that he had tested positive, there was another development. Indian actress Neetu Kapoor – who had worked with Dhawan in Chandigarh for ‘Jug Jugg Jeeyo’ – also tested positive for the virus. She was flown in an air ambulance from Chandigarh and is now recuperating in Mumbai, her home. Another person who contracted the virus was JJJ director Raj Mehta. Fortunately, Anil Kapoor – who was also a part of the same crew – informed his fans that he had tested negative.

Kriti Sanon: On December 8, reports emerged that Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. She was in Chandigarh with Rajkummar Rao to shoot for her new film. But the actress is yet to confirm the news.

Maniesh Paul: The 39-year-old actor is under quarantine at his Mumbai home. He tested positive as soon as he returned from Chandigarh after filming ‘Jug Jugg Jeeyo’.

Divya Bhatnagar (right): The 34-year-old actress died after her battle with Covid-19 earlier this week from complications arising from the virus. She was put on a ventilator, but did not survive the infection. The ‘Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’ star also suffered from high blood pressure, which made her a high-risk patient.

Sunny Deol: Bollywood actor and BJP MP Sunny Deol tested positive for the novel coronavirus. “I got myself tested for coronavirus and the reports are positive. I am in isolation and I am fine,” tweeted Deol, who has starred in films including ‘Apne’ and ‘Ghayal’.

Salman Khan:Three of his household staff including his driver Ashok tested positive for coronavirus earlier this month, so the Bollywood superstar thought it best to exercise caution. He went into a self-imposed isolation for 14 days.

Malaika Arora: The reality dance show judge and model Malaika Arora tested positive for COVID-19, but was asymptomatic and was under home quarantine. “Yes, I have tested positive. I am asymptomatic and have self-quarantined at home. I will bounce back healthier and stronger,’ she told Bombay Times.