In a harrowing incident that shook their world, actor and singer Sushant Divgikr and their family narrowly escaped a raging fire that consumed their Mumbai residence last week. The traumatic event, sparked by a sudden air conditioner explosion in the living room, left behind a trail of devastation and irreplaceable losses.
The air conditioner in the living room burst, and there was instant fire coming out of it, Divgikr recounted, their voice still thick with emotion. We tried to put it out, but the fire just kept spreading, and caught on to the curtains and furniture. It spread till the kitchen and my office room but thankfully it didn't reach the cylinder.
The flames, fueled by combustible materials, spread with alarming speed, threatening to engulf the entire building. Divgikr, who is also an LGBTQIA activist, was horrified to realize that there were elderly and children trapped inside the burning house.
My mother, sister-in-law, niece, manager, and house help were in the house at that time, they said, their voice heavy with concern. I was the most scared about my mother because she had a ligament tear, it was difficult to get her down.
Time seemed to stand still as Divgikr and their family desperately tried to escape the inferno.
We just escaped and called the fire brigade, Divgikr continued. They came as soon as they could, with elections on the head and so many roadblocks. I am so thankful to them. It could have been much worse and we could have died. The entire building was immediately evacuated, and we were already downstairs when the fire brigade came.
While grateful that their loved ones had escaped unharmed, Divgikr was heartbroken over the extensive damage to their home.
Eighty-five percent of whatever I had put up in that house is not there now, they said, their voice trembling. My national and international awards, important documents, my memories, newspaper articles, my jewelry and makeup, all are gone. Chatt hi gir gayi! It's so traumatic, but materialistic things can be built again. Jaan hai toh jahaan hai.
The aftermath of the fire has left Divgikr and their family grappling with the trauma. The once-vibrant home is now a charred and desolate reminder of the ordeal they endured.
I think I would need some therapy to completely come out of this trauma, Divgikr admitted. I would now have a phobia of closed spaces, and would fear switching on the AC. I am living in a hotel currently. I am trying to find a house on rent currently to temporarily live there.
As Divgikr and their family begin the arduous process of rebuilding their lives, they draw strength from the outpouring of support they have received. The incident has served as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
