It is not work that kills but worry. The annual board examinations of classes 10 and 12 have aggravated the anxiety levels of not only students appearing for the exam, but their parents as well, over the years.
So, HT City brings to you snippets of how famous faces from the entertainment industry of Punjab handled the board exam fever during their time. While some of them took to music and sports, others preferred to read poetry, to overcome stressful situations during the much-hyped about exams. Let us share a cup of tea with their stress bursting ways one by one! 
Rana Ranbir
Poet, theatre artist and film comedian
I loved reading poetry and hence would do exactly that after longs hours of study. It helped wash away my stress. At times, reading popular comics and funny short stories would also appealed to me followed by narrating them to my friends and parents. Group discussions eased me the most, when it came to revising the subject.
My weak subject: Mathematics; Would pray for the teacher to be absent.
Jazzy Bains
Singer and actor
I completed my schooling in Canada but the exam pressure was no less there. I balanced the burden of studying continuously by engaging in outdoor games like basketball and ice hockey. Sports rejuvenated me during long hours of exam preparation. One must understand that all work and no play makes jack a dull boy."
My weak subject: Science; was good in practical work but quite weak in theory.
Jaswinder Bhalla
Film comedian and university professor
"My parents ensured that I take regular breaks between studying. I would listen to comedy shows on the radio and at other times, entertain others in the locality with my own jokes (laughs). In a nutshell, I feel if you utilise your free time by doing something you like, it helps one focus well while studying."
My weak subject: Social Sciences; was never able to cram and remember any dates due to which I often scored less
Ranjit Bawa
Folk singer
"For me relaxation and overcoming stress during board exams meant listening to loud music and doing Bhangra. Also, unlike other students, I never carried the question paper home as I knew my parents would end up ask me endless questions from it and I may not be able to give them the right answers. It is better to concentrate on the next exam than constantly think about the previous exam."
My weak subject: English; I always had butterflies in my stomach before the English exam.
Jassi Gill
singer and actor
"I used to hate exams. While books would burden my mind but listening to music and singing some of my favourite songs made me feel peaceful. Other than this, I also played cricket with my friends to rejuvenate myself."
My weak subject: I had two –English and mathematics -I was often scolded by teachers of both the subjects as i always paid less attention in every lesson
Binnu Dhillon
Theatre artist and film comedian
"I followed a fixed timetable for my studies and at the same took enough breaks. To relieve stress, I played various childhood games including hide and seek, roamed around in the village with my friends.
My weak subject: Mathematics; I was always first to finish my maths exam as I only attempted a few questions
Maintain a balance
The stars feel that taking regular breaks during long study hours is a must. Jaswinder Bhalla underlines an advice for parents too. "Do not pressurise your children too much to score above 90% as it can cause unnecessary tension. Instead, encourage the versatility in your child," said Bhalla while Jassi Gill added, "Take every exam with a cool mind including those exams that fear you the most. Fear does not help rather spoils the entire game."
Binnu Dhillon
Theatre artist and film comedian
"I followed a fixed timetable for my studies and at the same took enough breaks. To relieve stress, I played various childhood games including hide and seek, roamed around in the village with my friends.
My weak subject: Mathematics; I was always first to finish my maths exam as I only attempted a few questions
Maintain a balance
The stars feel that taking regular breaks during long study hours is a must. Jaswinder Bhalla underlines an advice for parents too. "Do not pressurise your children too much to score above 90% as it can cause unnecessary tension. Instead, encourage the versatility in your child," said Bhalla while Jassi Gill added, "Take every exam with a cool mind including those exams that fear you the most. Fear does not help rather spoils the entire game."