Bollywood actress who fought paralysis, treating COVID-19 patients at Balasaheb Thackeray hospital

By Sanjay Mishra

Mumbai: While many Bollywood stars and actors spend their days in quarantine at home, raising awareness of the importance of staying at home, providing financial aid to the government in the fight against the virus, an actress known for her appearance with the superstar Shahrukh Khan has taken a step forward.

Actress Shikha Malhotra, which was seen in Khan’s filmFanThese days are actively engaged in the care and treatment of COVID-19 patients putting on a doctor’s apron nurse.

Revealing her trip from the big screen to a hospital ward, Shikha told the Navbharat Times that before entering the film industry, she had completed her baccalaureate in nursing from Vardhaman Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital. Delhi. “It didn’t strike me at the start when the Prime Minister called Janata for a curfew. It was only after the Prime Minister announced the 21 days containment to contain the virus, I realized the enormity of the situation, “she said.

Shikha during his training days

She said to be a qualified nurse she couldn’t afford to sit at home when she heard about the long lock. “I realized that everything was not normal when the country had left for 21 days of lockdown. This means that patients will continue to come and that there will be a shortage of nurses in hospitals,” he said. she declared.

She said that the next day, she applied to Kokilaben Hospital, Coper Hospital, Nanavati Hospital and Balasaheb Thackeray Hospital, volunteering to serve as a nurse. “I was warmly received at Balasaheb Thackeray Hospital which gave me the opportunity to serve, “she said.

Shikha with a nurse colleague

On the first day, Shikha found herself in the midst of 45 patients, for whom she had to provide the best personal care, keeping in mind the risks of exposure to the virus. “At the time of our graduation (nursing), we take an oath to devote ourselves to service when needed. I thought the time was right,” she said.

Shikha entered the scene approximately three hours after receiving basic instructions at the hospital. “I could not have looked in the mirror if I had sat at home,” she said.

Shikha, who starred in the movie Fan of Shahrukh Khan and with Tapsee Pannu in Rangeen Shadi, also starred in the punjabi movie Lucky Kabootar. Her last appearance was in Hindi Film Kanchli in which she starred opposite Sanjay Mishra.

Let’s fight it together: Shikha’s message

She said that there is currently an emergency in the hospital where 45 patients have been admitted, including members of two families. While some recovered, two of the patients returned from foreign destinations. “It is difficult to serve these patients. I have to wear safety suits from head to toe. But I am still proud,” she said, adding that anyone who has received nursing training should manifest in these difficult times, regardless of being actors or actresses.

She said that she will continue to work until the PM announces that everything has returned to normal. “Even if it takes three to four months longer,” she said.

It is the same Shikha who suffered a paralytic attack at the age of about 13 years. “I was confined to bed and wheelchair for three years. I had to quit school. I struggled with disability and got out of it and finished my course Std 11, 12 after recovering” she said.

She said that she offered her service for free to humanity, while (nurses) hired by private hospitals charge between Rs 80,000 and 1 lakh for the service.

Shikha at the hospital

Finally, she has a piece of advice for people – stick to lock standards and take special care of yourself by maintaining social distance and staying confined to homes. “Children and the elderly should not venture at all,” she said.