Bigg Boss 14 winner Rubina Dilaik opens up about her brush with Covid-19, body shaming and more

Covid-19 has been a turning point in all our lives, including those of celebrities. They too have dealt with various physical and mental struggles, as a consequence of the viral infection. But they get targeted and scrutinized for every little change in their lives. Recently, Bigg Boss 14 winner and TV actor Rubina Dilaik became the centre of troll attacks for having gained a few extra kilos, post her brush with Covid-19.

Dilaik had recently issued a statement on her Instagram that read, “Dear well wishers/ pseudo fans, I have been observing that my weight gain is bothering you! You are relentlessly sending hate mails and messages, you don’t see my worth if I don’t hire a PR or if I don’t tip paps for spotting … you are threatening to leave fandoms coz I am fat now.”

HealthShots got in touch with Dilaik for a freewheeling chat to understand her struggles with Covid-19 earlier this year, how she tackled body shaming, and how she continues to exercise precautions, having dealt with the virus so closely.

Brush with Covid-19

Like many others, Dilaik too faced severe consequences as a result of Covid-19. She says that it has changed her life in many ways, both physically and mentally.

“I think physical changes have come in through weight gain that happened since I had to take steroids to treat Covid-19. Mentally, I have become more resilient now, and despite physical changes, I think I have the mental strength to accept this change,” she added.

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Dilaik is taking slow and steady steps to get back to fitness, since she believes her body “needs time.”

Building a consistent routine

Although she isn’t taking any “drastic steps”, Dilaik has been conscious about her food intake, and makes it a point to step out for walks every day. She has also been practicing yoga for 15 minutes daily. This is her way to get back to a consistent workout regime.

“My muscle strength has gone, and my joints ache, so I need to give my body time before I get into rigorous workouts,” she shares.

Dealing with body shaming

With social media bridging the gap between celebrities and the public, trolling has become rather common in the form of body shaming.

But Dilaik remains unfazed. “I think I have accepted that I put on a few kilos and became a few inches wide. It is a phase in my life, and if I am ready to accept it, there really is no battle. Yes, there is a lot of public scrutiny because social media has given the freedom to everyone to be vocal about their thought process.”

She adds, “People do not think through the repercussions of what can happen at the receiver’s end. Earlier, it would affect me. But now I feel I have to accept the changes that have followed post-Covid, and that has given me more tolerance and patience,” she says.

Dilaik has a piece of advice, particularly for women. “Embrace yourself because you are absolutely unique and I think that’s the beauty of each individual. We really need to accept ourselves and show some self-love,” she says.

Life post Covid-19 experience

Dilaik believes that she has so much more gratitude today, because of the struggles she experienced during the 25-27 days of Covid-19 that she had. “I was bedridden and fell short of breath. I used to have a fever and sleepless nights. Now, I am just so thankful to God that I survived. I have the courage and strength to recoup from this pandemic,” she says.

With apprehensions around a new Covid-19 variant Omicron in the news, Dilaik says she continues to follow all the protocols. “I am still particular about not visiting public places, if not necessary. I have almost stopped going to restaurants, movie theatres and malls. And there is nothing more important than wearing a properly cleaned mask, and washing hands,” she advises.