'Social distancing will be the new normal in times to come': Athiya Shetty on dealing with the COVID-19 crisis

While everyone is hoping and praying for the coronavirus pandemic to leave soon and normalcy to return in everyday lives, Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty thinks that many have not yet realised that things won’t go back to normal anytime soon. In a recent interview, speaking about the same, Athiya said that social distancing, which everyone is practising to curb the spread of the virus, will be the "new normal in the times to come". 

She said, "The world will change clearly post this. The world needs to change, people need to introspect and be grateful for what they have. I also feel that we need to be better human beings; more considerate, respect each other no matter who they are, where they come from."

She further added that everyone should make social distancing a part of their lives, even when the pandemic ends. "I feel the environment shouldn’t be taken for granted anymore. People should adopt a sustainable way of life while being more conscious and aware. We also need to take this opportunity to restart and do something better in order to build a better future for ourselves and the future generations," she said.

Athiya also said that she is enjoying this time with her family and that everyone at home, from her father Suniel Shetty, mother Mana, and brother Ahan, have different schedules. "Even our sleep patterns are so different, but we all try and be in sync with each other as much as possible. We do get some common time and play board games, have movie nights. And even if there aren’t any activities, we just like to sit with each other and talk for hours," she said.