An act of kindness can make so many lives better. On February 17, actor Richa Chaddha Instagrammed a two-year-old throwback video of her hug drive to celebrate ‘Random Acts of Kindness Day’. She wrote, “Happy Random Acts of Kindness Day! This is how I spent the day two years ago. How are you celebrating it today? I look at this video and think of how quickly our world has changed in such little time ! This was possible in the pre-Covid world and hopefully will be again soon. What the world needs is love, more of it, too much of it till it fills all voids, heals all wounds and becomes brimful and overflows. With only love in my 💖, I wish you all happy kindness day.” Her post got much positive feedback from her fans and co-workers. We ask celebrities if they will ever do such a thing, what is the value of hugs in their daily lives and if they are comfortable in expressing their affection towards their loved ones:
Hansa Singh
I would love to do something like this. Hugs are the most reassuring feeling you can give to anyone .The best gesture. I am very demonstrative. I love hugs— the bear hugs, tight hugs, pickpocket hugs. It’s a universe in a hug (smiles).
Pragati Mehra
I don’t think I shall ever be able to do a hug drive in public space unless in disguise. I prefer keeping my boundaries and want mine to be respected too. I do believe hugging a loved one or being hugged when you are upset is a sure shot cure. Hugging my mom for reason or no reason at all is my survival drug.
Pranav Misshra
I think it’s a wonderful initiative she took in the world that is completely engrossed in themselves, social media to be precise. And where there is so much availability of information which is leaving everybody to FOMO, which is pretty evident and depressing. It is scientifically proven that hugs release oxytocin hormone, which is a stress buster, a feel good hormone. And of course hugs hold a lot of value in everyday life and they are the best depiction of one showing affection to somebody. I think hugs are very important. In fact, there are many hug cafes opened in Japan. You could actually just pay people to hug you because it makes you feel good.
Prateik Chaudhary
I believe that would be a fascinating experience. It’s fantastic to see so many happy faces and positive responses. Hugging someone is said to increase one’s sense of happiness and love. For any individual, this magical hugs often act like a medicine. In a single day, nearly 100 strangers approach you for hugs! It will be amazing to be going down the street and have someone walking the opposite way suddenly start walking towards you with a smile and arms out for a hug…. no need for a name, just to brighten someone’s day.
Charrul Malik
I saw and found it very cute, connecting, and warm. And, it was Richa Chadha connecting directly to her fans to normal people who do not get a chance to click pictures with celebrities. It was different. And nowadays if you do different things, then people definitely connect with you and remember you. Hugs are very important in daily life. It’s a way to express your warmth towards someone you love— be it your parents, siblings, friends or co-actors. I meet a lot of people and my way of greeting people is usually giving a hug after saying hello. Life is short and the more love you share, the more love you will get back. So instead of calling it attention seeking, we can call it a natural process, it would be better. And nowadays I use the hug emoji most of the time. So wherever it is possible to use emoticons, be it on Whatsapp, Instagram or anywhere else you will definitely find it.
Saanand Verma
Yes I’m very affectionate and express my feelings through hugs. Hugging is a great way of spreading positivity and good vibes among people. So I would love to do a hug drive like Richa did. It’s a great thing. I also believe in having and giving tight hugs to almost every admirer and fan who loves me, who appreciates my work. I always give them big hugs. It is also going to highlight that now corona is disappearing from our lives, we are going back to normalcy.
Yes, I would like to do this. A hug drive in the public space would be good because if we hug someone, we get a nice feeling, and it releases happy hormones. It’s good to share the sorrows of other people and spread happiness and love. So it’s a good initiative by her.
