THE INDIAN ACTRESS ON HOW TO BE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY FIT INDOORS
by MOHNISH SINGH
SHE may have made a name for herself in a variety of film, television and streaming projects, but Shama Sikander has also won admiration for her determination.
The talented Indian actress has spoken openly about her bipolar disorder, inspired others with her fitness regimes and taken on personal and professional obstacles that have come her way.
She has been spreading the message of not giving up and that ability to face up to challenges is serving the strikingly beautiful star well during the current Covid-19 lockdown.
Eastern Eye caught up with Shama via telephone to talk about life under lockdown, indoor fitness tips and how she thinks the coronavirus pandemic is going to change humans forever.
How have you been spending your time amid the ongoing lockdown?
Well, I have been at home completely. I have just been taking care of my health, and I have been chatting with my family and friends more and doing a lot of meditation and workouts. I have also been doing daily household chores, you know.
We all know that you are a fitness freak. But in a time when gyms are closed, how have you been keeping yourself in shape?
Nowadays, there are so many videos available on YouTube you can follow. There are so many home workouts you can do with your own bodyweight. And trust me, it’s harder than the gym workout because you really work on your core. And it’s good enough to sort of keep you in shape if you are already in shape. If you want to lose some weight, walks are preferable and so is your diet.
Did you make any changes in your diet after the lockdown was imposed?
Right now, in this scenario, I would not want any weight loss. It’s very important for me to eat healthy, eat well and keep my mind healthy, and happy. What we eat affects our mind, and we need to be very, very careful about that. So I eat very healthy and nutritious food and, at the same time, do certain amount of exercise. I do an hour every day at least, to keep fit and going because I look at it as all my negative toxins getting out. Think positive, and be happier, healthier and moving. You need to keep moving, because if you get stagnant, your body will go into spasm and other problems will occur.
Would you like to share some of your non-equipment workouts?
I do a mixture of power yoga, pilates and body combat. I mix my workouts and don’t train in just one area. I do planks with push-ups, some shoulder tapping and jumping jacks. I also do squats and jump. Ten to 15 reps in each round. Three sets of that and believe me, if you do that for 40 minutes, you will be fit like anything. I don’t need any workout stuff for that. I have loop bands at home. If anybody has a loop band at home, they can do amazing workouts with them. They are so good.
You must have been watching a lot of OTT shows these days. Tell us about your favourite shows, which have got you hooked...
I always love to watch content on OTT platforms because it’s just amazing. My top recommendation would be Money Heist, Dark and This Is Us on Netflix and The Morning Show on Apple TV.
Are you reading any books currently?
I am a really bad reader. My eyes start straining and my mind sort of shuts off for some reason. I think that I am a visual person. I can see things better. My mind grabs it well when I am seeing something. Also, it is easier for me to sort of absorb it and keep it in when I am seeing something. When I am reading, somehow, it just shuts me off and puts me to sleep. I don’t know why.
What are you missing the most amid the Covid-19 restrictions?
I am missing human touch the most. I miss being able to touch and hug my family. I am missing meeting my friends and being able to hug them. I miss the normal freedom that we had to just get out of our homes anytime we wanted. I am missing that incredibly. We took it for granted and today we can’t get out.
What is the first thing that you would like to do after the lockdown is over?
The first thing I will definitely do is meet my family and hug them. It’s okay to hug because no human contact is unhealthy. A lot of people die of depression because of not being social. Being social is a right thing. It’s not going to parties or anything, it’s to be able to converse with others, to hug people and feel the human interaction and energy.
After the prolonged lockdown do you think it is going to be difficult for everyone to go back to their previous schedule after it gets lifted?
It will be difficult, yes. It takes 21 days to form a new habit, and we have already crossed that period. And if it goes longer, we might actually get used to this habit and then it will definitely be difficult to kind of go back to our regular schedule. But again, we are very adaptive beings. If you do the same thing again for 21 days, it will be fine and you will get back to a routine, but of course, initial months will be difficult for all of us. Now we wake up and sleep at different times. When the body clock changes, everything changes with that.
How do you think the pandemic is going to change us as humans?
I can’t guarantee how others are going to change forever, but I really believe and hope all of us will. I believe that whatever this time is teaching us, we take it seriously and become more conscious and aware. We stop hurting one another and ourselves in every way possible. I hope this silence brings enough awareness within us and helps us know ourselves better as human beings, as responsible beings on this planet Earth and we take individual responsibility to keep it clean, to be compassionate and to be kind to each other.
So self-awareness is key…
I would really like people to learn that once you are aware, the awareness will bring responsibility automatically and force you to be responsible. We are so engrossed with the world, with what is happening in the world and on social media. We never let our subconscious mind really work. We are always working with our conscious mind and the only time our subconscious mind works is while we are asleep.
What do you mean?
While we are asleep, we affect our subconscious mind with so much corrupt data that it starts to think negative. So we have to learn to undo all this negativity and make it our new habit and keep it going. We need to learn how to be responsible for each other and be kind to one another. I hope this time also teaches important lessons to those who were running behind money so much and thought being with their families is going to cost them, but it hasn’t. I hope they can learn that the world is still running in spite of nobody going to their offices and saving a lot of money on top of that. Today, a lot of people are not only saving money, but saving a lot of negativity that has been created in their offices by bullying, and by looking down upon others.
Top discounts on tech, beauty, home and essentials
Must-have offers include deals on Dyson, Nespresso, Oral-B, and more
Exclusive to Amazon Prime members (free trial available)
Amazon Prime Day 2025 is well underway, with this year’s event extended to a full 96 hours running from Tuesday 8 July to Friday 11 July. With thousands of products on offer across nearly every category, shoppers in the UK can enjoy steep discounts on everyday essentials, big-ticket tech, and top-rated beauty favourites.
We’ve sifted through the extensive listings to highlight 15 of the best value-for-money deals currently live, with savings of up to 60%. All prices are correct at the time of writing and exclusive to Prime members.
Save £81 Cordless, lightweight, and powerful, the Dyson V8 is one of the most sought-after vacuum models — and rarely goes on sale. Ideal for daily cleaning without the fuss of cords.
Save £20 The latest Kindle is Amazon’s lightest and most compact yet. With a high-resolution display and up to six weeks of battery life, it's a great entry point into e-readers.
Save £100 Includes a Vertuo Pop machine, milk frother, mugs, spoons and coffee pods. Excellent value for anyone looking to elevate their morning routine.
4. Samsung 50" Q60D QLED 4K TV – £325 (was £600)
Save £275 This 50-inch 4K QLED TV from Samsung is a solid choice for anyone seeking vivid visuals and reliable performance at nearly half the usual price.
5. Tefal Easy Fry Dual Zone digital air fryer – £131 (was £180)
Save £49 Featuring two drawers, multiple pre-set cooking options and a sync mode, this air fryer is well-reviewed for ease of use and excellent results.
6. Oral-B Pro 3 electric toothbrush – £62 (was £100)
Save £38 Recommended by hygienists and rated by shoppers, the Pro 3 offers up to 100% more plaque removal versus a manual toothbrush.
7. Olay Total Effects face cream set – £11.38 (was £24)
Save £12.62 Includes day and night creams suitable for all skin types. This tried-and-tested set is one of the best beauty buys under £15.
8. Shark FlexBreeze tableMate cordless fan – £89.99 (was £149.99)
Save £60 Perfect for summer, this quiet, portable fan comes with a 20-metre reach, five-speed settings, and a remote. Works indoors or outdoors.
9. Sony wireless noise cancelling headphones – £71 (was £99)
Save £28 Comfortable and feature-rich, these over-ear headphones deliver solid performance without breaking the bank.
Save £80 A high-capacity air fryer with two drawers, ideal for families or batch cooking. Philips’ Rapid Air Technology ensures even frying with less oil.
11. Narwey underseat cabin bag – £9.99 (was £15.99)
Save £6 A travel essential designed to fit under most airline seats. Comes in 14 colours and helps avoid costly baggage fees.
Save £27.68 A household staple — now better value than ever. The bulk pack should last months and saves over 50%.
15. Apple AirPods Pro 2 – £179 (was £229)
Save £50 If you’ve been eyeing Apple’s high-end earbuds, now’s a rare chance to get them discounted. Includes noise cancellation and spatial audio.
Tips to make the most of Prime Day:
Prime membership is essential – If you’re not yet a member, Amazon offers a 30-day free trial. After that, it’s £8.99/month.
Compare prices before checkout – Not all “deals” are as generous as they seem. Use tools like CamelCamelCamel to check historical prices.
Act fast – Some items, especially big tech or beauty discounts, may sell out quickly or go out of stock before Friday.
Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen appliances, refreshing your skincare shelf or just looking for practical home savings, Prime Day 2025 has something for nearly every shopper. But act quickly – the best offers won’t stick around long.
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Discover hidden UK beaches with turquoise waters and golden sands
Ideal for summer staycations without the cost of long-haul travel
Includes lesser-known spots in Wales, Scotland, Cornwall, and more
Perfect for quiet escapes, coastal walks, and Instagram-worthy views
Escape to paradise – no passport required
Think you need to fly halfway across the world for clear blue water and white sand? Think again. The UK is home to a surprising number of secluded beaches that look straight out of the Caribbean – without the crowds or jet lag. From hidden coves in Cornwall to windswept bays in the Scottish Highlands, here are some of the most tropical-looking beaches on British soil.
1. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Often dubbed the UK’s answer to the Caribbean, this National Trust-owned gem boasts golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic cliffs. Accessed by a half-mile walk from Stackpole Quay, it remains blissfully untouched by development.
Best for: Picnics, photography, and a peaceful swim Nearest parking: Stackpole Quay car park
2. Achmelvich Bay, Sutherland, Scotland
Many of these beaches are tidal and best enjoyed at low tideiStock
With white sands and dazzling turquoise water, this beach in the remote northwest Highlands rivals beaches anywhere in the world. The journey is long, but the views – and near-solitude – make it worth every mile.
Tucked beneath rugged cliffs near Porthcurno, this tidal beach is often reached via a steep cliff path – but rewards visitors with stunning sandbars and glassy water at low tide. It’s also unofficially clothing-optional.
Best for: Adventurous walkers, secluded sunbathing Access: Steep footpath from Treen
4. Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides
Framed by the turquoise seaiStock
Arguably one of Britain’s most spectacular beaches, Luskentyre’s vast white sands stretch for miles, framed by the turquoise sea and Harris’s dramatic hills. When the sun shines, it’s hard to believe you’re still in Scotland.
Best for: Landscape lovers, long coastal walks How to get there: Ferry from Skye to Tarbert, then a 25-minute drive
5. Kynance Cove, Cornwall
It’s best visited early or late in the dayiStock
With its striking serpentine rock formations, teal-coloured waters, and hidden caves, Kynance is a postcard-perfect Cornish cove. Its popularity means it’s best visited early or late in the day.
Best for: Exploring caves, paddling Nearby: Kynance Cove Café (seasonal)
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The chain had also gained a following for its themed brunches
Chinese dim sum restaurant Ping Pong has closed all its UK locations
The chain made the announcement via social media
Founded in 2005, the brand thanked customers and staff for their support
Loyal diners shared memories and disappointment in the comments
All branches are permanently closed
Chinese restaurant chain Ping Pong has permanently closed all its branches in the UK, the company confirmed in a social media announcement.
Founded in 2005 by restaurateur Kurt Zdesar, the dim sum chain had become popular for its stylish interiors, creative menus, and Asian-inspired cocktails. The company did not provide prior notice of the closure but said the decision marked the end of an “unforgettable” 20-year journey.
Social media announcement thanks customers and staff
In a post shared on Instagram, the company wrote: “It’s a wrap. After 20 unforgettable years, all Ping Pong locations are now permanently closed.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we built, an independent hospitality brand full of creativity, flavour and soul.
“To everyone who joined us over the years, for dim sum dates, happy hours, bottomless brunches, and just-because catch-ups – thank you.
“You shared your moments with us, passed around little parcels of deliciousness, and helped make Ping Pong what it was.
“To our collaborators, suppliers, and the incredible team who kept the steam going, thank you. It’s been sum-thing truly special.”
Customers express sadness over sudden closure
Regular customers responded to the announcement with disappointment and nostalgia. Many expressed shock over the sudden news and the lack of notice.
One Instagram user commented: “Noooo, we’ve made some amazing memories there, birthdays, anniversaries, you name it. The food was always so amazing.”
Another said: “WHAT?? WE HAD NO CHANCE TO SAY GOODBYE! NO WARNING.”
Others fondly recalled the restaurant’s atmosphere and signature dishes, with one writing: “The food and the lychee cocktails will be sorely missed.”
Ping Pong had multiple locations across London and was known for its contemporary take on traditional Chinese dim sum. The chain had also gained a following for its themed brunches, casual dining experience, and cocktail offerings.
No further information has been shared regarding the reason behind the closure or whether the brand will return in a new format.
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Experts have raised concerns about the immune-evasive nature of the Stratus strain
A new Covid strain known as Stratus is spreading across the UK
The variant is marked by a distinctive symptom: a hoarse or raspy voice
Sub-variants XFG and XFG.3 now account for 30% of cases in England
Experts say there is no evidence of more severe disease
Lower immunity levels may make more people vulnerable to infection
Covid variant Stratus on the rise in the UK
A new strain of Covid-19, known as Stratus, is spreading across the UK and drawing attention for its unusual symptom — a hoarse or raspy voice. According to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Stratus and its two sub-variants, XFG and XFG.3, are responsible for around 30 per cent of Covid cases in England.
Of the two, XFG.3 is currently the more dominant. The UKHSA confirmed that monitoring of all circulating Covid-19 variants is ongoing as part of regular surveillance.
Mutations help Stratus spread despite immunity
Experts have raised concerns about the immune-evasive nature of the Stratus strain. Dr Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street GP and founder of Hannah London Clinic, noted that certain mutations in the spike protein could help the virus bypass antibodies generated by previous infection or vaccination.
“Unlike other variants, Stratus has certain mutations in the spike protein which could help it evade antibodies developed from prior infections or vaccinations,” said Dr Khan. However, the symptoms tend to remain mild to moderate, with hoarseness being one of the most noticeable.
Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said, “It is normal for viruses to mutate and change over time,” adding that there is currently no evidence that the XFG or XFG.3 variants cause more severe disease than previous strains.
Waning immunity raises infection risk
According to Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at the University of Warwick, the reduction in Covid-19 infections in recent months, along with lower booster jab uptake, could increase the risk of infection.
“Given that immunity to Covid is waning in the population due to a decline in uptake of the spring booster jab and the reduction of Covid infections in recent months, more people will be susceptible to infection with XFG and XFG.3,” he told MailOnline.
He warned that this could lead to a new wave of infections, though the scale remains uncertain.
Global monitoring of the strain
Globally, Stratus accounted for 22.7 per cent of Covid cases as of 22 June, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The strain has been designated as a “variant under monitoring”, with WHO currently assessing its public health impact as low risk.
The emergence of Stratus follows the spread of another recent variant called Nimbus (NB.1.8.1), first detected in China and Hong Kong in January and now present in parts of the US and Australia. Nimbus has been associated with more severe sore throat symptoms.
Reduced testing levels since the pandemic’s peak make it difficult to track the true spread of these new variants, health officials have noted.
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Neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons form in the brain
New neurons continue forming in the brain’s hippocampus into old age
Study confirms presence of neural progenitor cells in adults
DNA carbon dating and single-nucleus RNA sequencing were used
Research shows variation in neuron production between individuals
Findings could aid treatments for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders
Human brain shows ongoing neuron formation into older age
A new study has confirmed that the human brain continues to produce new nerve cells well into late adulthood, challenging previous assumptions about age-related decline in neurogenesis. The findings, published in the journal Science, provide fresh insight into how adaptable the brain remains over a lifetime.
Neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons form in the brain, is known to occur in the hippocampus — a region involved in memory. While previous research has suggested that this process continues throughout life, there has been limited concrete evidence of the presence of neural progenitor cells in the adult brain.
Research confirms presence of progenitor cells
The study, conducted by researchers at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, confirms the existence of these progenitor cells — cells that develop into neurons — in the adult hippocampus. The team used DNA carbon dating to determine when the cells were formed. Brain tissue samples from people aged 0 to 78 were analysed, sourced from international biobanks.
“We have now been able to identify these cells of origin, which confirms that there is an ongoing formation of neurons in the hippocampus of the adult brain,” said Jonas Frisén, professor of stem cell research at the Karolinska Institutet, who led the study.
Advanced techniques reveal cell activity
To conduct the study, the researchers applied a method known as single-nucleus RNA sequencing, which allows scientists to analyse gene activity in individual cell nuclei. This was combined with machine learning to identify the different stages of neuron development, from stem cells to immature neurons.
The team identified all neural progenitor cell stages in early childhood samples. In adult samples, they located dividing progenitor cells using antibodies against the proliferation marker Ki67, alongside machine learning algorithms.
The results not only confirmed that adult neurogenesis takes place but also revealed that many of the dividing cells were in active developmental stages.
Significant variation between individuals
A notable finding from the study was the large variation in the presence of progenitor cells between individuals. While some adults had many such cells, others had very few. The researchers said this variability could have implications for understanding individual differences in brain ageing and cognitive resilience.
They also found that although the progenitor cells in humans were similar to those in animals such as mice, pigs, and monkeys, the active genes involved differed, suggesting some species-specific distinctions in brain development.
Implications for brain health and disease treatment
The findings provide valuable insight into how the human brain changes over time and could have medical implications. As many neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, involve the loss of neurons in regions like the hippocampus, understanding how new neurons form could contribute to the development of regenerative therapies.
“This is an important piece of the puzzle in understanding how the human brain works and changes during life,” said Frisén. “It may also guide future treatment strategies for neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions.”