AP
Dilip Kumar, Actor
FELLOW TRAVELLER
Tea & Travel
Actor Dilip Kumar talks about his favourite destinations and more.
AARTI KAPUR SINGH INTERVIEWS DILIP KUMAR
What is your favourite destination in the world?
Any place that reminds me of home. I know it defeats the basic point of a holiday, but I need to feel at home wherever I go. That's why it is necessary that Saira (my wife) travels with me. Then I am comfortable anywhere. But if I had to pick a place, it would be Dubai, because it is such a forward-moving and cosmopolitan destination.
Any favourite holiday memory?
Several, but I'll share one with you. Once we had gone on a family holiday to a village near Lucknow. We were staying in a remote guesthouse. Back in those days, the dak bungalows were actually 'dark' bungalows, because there was no electricity. I hid in one of the rooms with a white sheet over my head. As soon as Saira came in, I jumped from behind the door. The expression on her face was priceless! Many years later, when we were shooting for Ab To Banja Sajanwa Hamaar, Saira's debut as producer, in Rajpipla in Gujarat, I attempted the same prank. Saira really got angry this time. She was still scared!
One holiday destination you keep going back to?
Our farmhouse in Lonavla! It exudes calm. We grow our own vegetables and fruits and go fishing nearby. I love London (especially the Hyde Park area) and New York too—both cities welcome you with open arms.
What do you like to do while on holiday?
When I was young, I would walk for miles on end. It's the best way to take in local sights and sounds. Even now, if I am up to it, I still walk. Also, my wife still cannot make a decent cup of tea, so I love to just sit around with gallons of the local tea. On a holiday, I have tea to my soul's content; I know I won't get much of it back home.
How fond are you of local cuisines?
I am a complete foodie. I am very fond of eating, especially fish. Wherever I go, I make it a point to try out the local fish preparations. I am not very fond of sushi, but I like spicy food. I love the way fish is cooked in South India, with coconut. I once had poached fish in Dubai, which was very nice.
Any souvenirs that you like to pick up?
Saira is the artistic one—she has a great taste for curios, artefacts and so on. I am just a simple farmer, so I often tend to pick up seeds, interesting plants, flowers and saplings for my home in Mumbai and our Lonavla farmhouse. I have a very good date tree, which I picked up from the Middle East. We often send its fruit to loved ones and dear friends.
What's the one thing you dislike about travelling?
The airports! I can't understand the logic of waiting so long for various checks. Somebody wants to travel, roam the world—it is as simple as that. I wish governments would get together and come up with a way of shortening the checks and counter-checks at airports.
Any place that reminds me of home. I know it defeats the basic point of a holiday, but I need to feel at home wherever I go. That's why it is necessary that Saira (my wife) travels with me. Then I am comfortable anywhere. But if I had to pick a place, it would be Dubai, because it is such a forward-moving and cosmopolitan destination.
Any favourite holiday memory?
Several, but I'll share one with you. Once we had gone on a family holiday to a village near Lucknow. We were staying in a remote guesthouse. Back in those days, the dak bungalows were actually 'dark' bungalows, because there was no electricity. I hid in one of the rooms with a white sheet over my head. As soon as Saira came in, I jumped from behind the door. The expression on her face was priceless! Many years later, when we were shooting for Ab To Banja Sajanwa Hamaar, Saira's debut as producer, in Rajpipla in Gujarat, I attempted the same prank. Saira really got angry this time. She was still scared!
One holiday destination you keep going back to?
Our farmhouse in Lonavla! It exudes calm. We grow our own vegetables and fruits and go fishing nearby. I love London (especially the Hyde Park area) and New York too—both cities welcome you with open arms.
What do you like to do while on holiday?
When I was young, I would walk for miles on end. It's the best way to take in local sights and sounds. Even now, if I am up to it, I still walk. Also, my wife still cannot make a decent cup of tea, so I love to just sit around with gallons of the local tea. On a holiday, I have tea to my soul's content; I know I won't get much of it back home.
How fond are you of local cuisines?
I am a complete foodie. I am very fond of eating, especially fish. Wherever I go, I make it a point to try out the local fish preparations. I am not very fond of sushi, but I like spicy food. I love the way fish is cooked in South India, with coconut. I once had poached fish in Dubai, which was very nice.
Any souvenirs that you like to pick up?
Saira is the artistic one—she has a great taste for curios, artefacts and so on. I am just a simple farmer, so I often tend to pick up seeds, interesting plants, flowers and saplings for my home in Mumbai and our Lonavla farmhouse. I have a very good date tree, which I picked up from the Middle East. We often send its fruit to loved ones and dear friends.
What's the one thing you dislike about travelling?
The airports! I can't understand the logic of waiting so long for various checks. Somebody wants to travel, roam the world—it is as simple as that. I wish governments would get together and come up with a way of shortening the checks and counter-checks at airports.
A jewel in India's crown
ReplyDelete