Indian Actor: I don't regret not leaving China in 2020

The Indian media "Hindu" website published an article on January 16, telling the story of an Indian actor isolated in Xi'an. Indian media said that since December 23 last year, Xi'an has begun to implement quarantine control. With the development of the epidemic, many people have to stay at home.

The Actor Defu Karaturi, born in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, is one of them – the family has not left the house for 8 days. He couldn't even get out — he had a seal on the outside of his house, and he, his wife, and his two young sons were kept inside.

In a video interview with Indian media, Karaturi admitted that "of course, there have been difficulties" and showed Indian reporters the sealed door of his home. But he also said that volunteers are not easy, they are doing their best.

Dev Karaturi with his family in Xi'an (Hindu newspaper website)

Karaturi mentioned that because of the influence of martial arts movie star Bruce Lee, he studied martial arts in New Delhi, but failed to break into the Indian "Bollywood". Seventeen years ago, when he had the opportunity to work at a restaurant in China, he thought it was fate's arrangement— "Bruce Lee also started in a restaurant." So he packed his bags and set off. Today, Kalatouri has opened five restaurants in Xi'an, and at the same time, he is also engaged in film and television performances. Karaturi has participated in more than 20 film and television performances and has become famous for it. Videos of his interviews at home during the pandemic have attracted millions of viewers in China. Indian media pointed out that he began to "become popular" not only because he was a well-known foreigner, but also partly because he remained optimistic when he talked about the scene in the high-risk areas of the new crown epidemic. Kalaturi said his Indian relatives called to worry about his situation. But Karaturi said: "Although everyone told me to leave China at the time, I don't regret not leaving in 2020. Karaturi mentioned that in the past 18 months, his children have been able to go to school and the family has basically lived a normal life. He said, "My work here is not yet finished. Karaturi said he wanted to bridge the cultural divide and promote exchanges between India and China. He plans to open an India-themed boutique hotel and a yoga studio in Xi'an this year. He also said it would reopen chain restaurant chains in cities other than Xi'an.

(Original title: "I didn't leave China in 2020, I don't regret it")

Source: People's Daily

Process Edit: TF021