Chennaiites share lockdown exit plans, and no, they don’t want to party

There was a mixed response from Chennaiites when they heard that lockdown was extended by two weeks, untill May 17. As the days of staying indoors turned into months, people’s morale has downed a bit. But most of them are looking forward to the brighter days after the lockdown is lifted. A few Chennaiites joined this conversation on what’s the first they would after the lockdown.

Photographer Akshaya Vaidyanathan opines that it’s not safe to venture out immediately. That said, she has got a list of things to do. “The first thing I would do is take a long drive in my car (feels like I have forgotten how to drive) with a friend to one of those isolated beaches in ECR and dip my feet in the water. Well, the drive also includes playing to my over-played playlist at the highest volume! I am somebody who cannot live without visiting the beaches in the city. So, that’s the topmost priority. After the drive, I would like to have a nice big tub of ice cream,” she says. The photographer also shares that all commercial photoshoots will take time. “Since there will be strict social distancing norms, I will be doing product-styled shoots at home as clients are willing to send over products home.” 

Entrepreneur-filmmaker Shylaja Chetlur cannot wait to visit her office once the lockdown is over. “One the first day itself, I will be visiting my office and check if it has been taken by mold and mushrooms! Currently, I am learning Telugu via online with a few of my friends. The virtual classes are so much fun — we tease and make fun of each other like how we used to do in school. It would be nice if I can meet them in person after the lockdown. Maybe, we can all make a new recipe that we have learned and meet up at one of the friend’s house. Also, our conversations will be in Telugu and no other languages! I am looking forward to meeting my friends!” Shylaja laughs.

Celebrity fitness trainer Alkhas Joseph was taken aback when we asked him about his post-lockdown plans. He didn’t expect such a question. “Honestly, I haven’t thought of any ‘serious’ plans post-lockdown. My daughter, who is now 16 months old, loves to play on beaches. Maybe, I will start my evening walks with my daughter and wife. Since I live near Besant Nagar beach, I will be visiting the beach after it is over,” Alkhas shares with DT Next.

Sakthivel Panneerselvam, who organises surprise parties, says that it’s been more than 40 days since he met his friends. “I wanted to hang out with my friends and have biryani from my most favourite restaurant. I also wanted to go to the office and see my co-workers,” he remarks.