This year started out with a bang for actor Aanushka Ramesh, but soon the news of the deadly Covid-19 put quite the halt in her plans. The actor, who will soon be making her Bollywood debut with Mangal Ho, says that she was pleasantly surprised to see everyone all over the world uniting to fight Covid-19. `2020 has definitely been one hell of a roller coaster ride. The year started off on a great note with the release of my short film Harkat. However, soon we were into the lockdown and it was a whirlwind of events and apprehensions and we were just trying to remain calm in the midst of all the chaos. I remember waking up every day and wondering what shocking news we would hear next. However, I sincerely believe in the resilience and indomitable nature of the human spirit and it was amazing to see how we came together as a race to fight this global pandemic,` she says, adding, `During the lockdown, I kept myself busy with lots of activities and post the lockdown also, things have been hectic as we got back into work mode. All in all, I am grateful for all the blessings and I am looking forward to the coming year with renewed energies,` she says.

While she was doing her best to remain positive, she was deeply shaken by the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. `The most disappointing moment for me this year was definitely the death of Sushant Singh Rajput. As a fellow actor, my heart went out to him, and the circumstances in which he died were extremely disturbing. Many of us live in Mumbai away from our families and all of a sudden, the uncertainty of life seemed very frightening...to see a wonderful, positive human being go in this way. But eventually, you realise that some things are just out of your hands and make peace with it. And live each moment of life in the best way possible,` she says.

Aanushka was also quite active on social media, even during the lockdown. `I created a social media video with my friends from various countries like Singapore, Dubai, Delhi etc. as part of an international social media challenge for a leading magazine and ended up winning it. This was definitely my sweetest memory this year. As artists, we all need creative expression and even though we were locked at home, the love and appreciation we received was incredible,` she says.

Ask her how she kept herself optimistic during the lockdown, and she says, `I kept myself positive by basically keeping myself occupied. And the most important thing I learnt was to appreciate the smallest things in life and be happy. Also doing workouts, yoga, meditation, connecting with friends, social media activities etc. helped a lot.`

She adds, `During the lockdown, I was really moved to see the way people were reaching out and helping one another. So, I decided to adopt this kindness habit and continue it forever! I believe nothing matters more than being kind and being a good human being. I have decided to do one act of unconditional kindness as often as I can!`

The actor says that work-wise, the year has been good. `My biggest achievement of this year so far was my shoot for Fitnglam International Calendar Shoot, season 2, in Dubai. This was one of the first international shoots post lockdown when people were apprehensive to even do basic travel. But we travelled with the entire team and even though the shoot, travel etc. were extremely challenging due to Covid-19 restrictions, it was a great and fabulous experience. The entire shoot was organised by Sanjeev Jain, editor in chief Fitnglam and Vijay Singh, and it was wonderful associating with them,` she says.

Talking about her future plans, she says, `I am looking forward to my upcoming film Mangal Ho and a few other projects, which are to be announced shortly. Most importantly, I am just looking forward to a new and better year with positive vibes, and forget that 2020 ever came into our lives!`