Lifestyle Asia India shoots its April cover exclusively in the Maldives with Sonakshi Sinha.
Sonakshi Sinha is a professional actress, but deep down she is a true blue traveler. It was an inspiring shoot for our April cover with the talented star in the picturesque Maldives as she talks about her childhood holidays, favorite destinations and her love of travel in an exclusive interview.
Interview with our April cover star Sonakshi Sinha
Acting may be in her genes, but wanderlust runs deep. Despite her busy schedule, Sonakshi Sinha is an actress who never misses an opportunity to get out of town and explore the wonderful world. She loves the beach best, but is also in awe of the mountains. From the calm waters of the Maldives to the bustling streets of New York, the actor is at his best when traveling. It makes her a better person and a better professional. While awaiting the release of her much-anticipated OTT debut Fallen and starting filming for her rumored Sanjay Leela Bhansali project, Sinha is making the most of her time taking small trips to feed her soul. In one of my happiest conversations, she walked down memory lane, talking about things closest to her heart.
They say travel makes one a better person. Do you agree?
100%! I feel that travel can open new horizons for anyone. Most of us live where we grew up and spend the most time there, so the experience of getting out and seeing a new world can shape our lives for the better. Travel is very important to everyone. I think those who can do it should not miss it, because you never know what kind of experience you will have and what role it will play in shaping your life.
Do you remember a trip that changed your life the most?
My first trip to the Maldives in 2015 changed my life. It allows me to see the world under the sea. I’ve been a water baby my whole life, but that was my first time snorkeling or diving. I don’t know, I’ve only seen pictures and videos but never really experienced it. Since that trip, I feel more comfortable and relaxed underwater than on land. So, every year I go to the beach, and mostly the Maldives. Whenever I plan a vacation, I try to include a beach destination so I can dive and experience the underwater world. I even got my diving license last year. Next time I go, I want to get my advanced diving license.
Describe your first deep sea diving experience.
It used to be beautiful. I feel like I’m in heaven. I feel like I’m flying in space with fish around. I’ve never felt like this before. As someone who loves water so much, I’m surprised I haven’t done it before, and when I finally started doing it, I felt like I was in heaven.
There are many misconceptions about deep sea diving, from the dangers to the fear of the unknown. What do you want to say about this?
You never know until you try it. I mean, people get hurt just walking down the street (laughs). So, you can’t have that fear. This can be daunting for some who are not comfortable with the water, but you never know until you try. Even when I go with friends who may not be as good swimmers as I am, I tell them to go with me only in life jackets. You have to see what’s going on underwater because it’s a whole different world. I want them all to let go of their fears and experience that world for themselves. I think fear of the unknown is common, but you have to step out of your comfort zone.
As an actor, your work takes you to different places. Which experience is the most memorable for you?
I have a lot. When I first started, I was so excited to think that I would be traveling the world for my film. Then I started making films that just took me to different parts of India. Honestly, I’m overwhelmed by the beauty of our country, that kind of place. Everyone yearns to go abroad without realizing what kind of place we have here. I have seen such amazing places – some parts of Rajasthan and Kerala, Hampi, Hubli are mesmerizing. Their heritage is so rich and so beautiful. But my most memorable filming trip was in Budapest, where I spent 50 days. I shot Force 2 there, and it was the first time I had been in such a cold place for such a long time. I’m not a cold person at all. In the process of shooting, I also learned how to adapt and adapt to the cold place. So yes, I learned a lot from that trip.
Besides the Maldives, this is another destination that will make you feel like home.
I love Sydney. My best friend Sakshi got married and lived there for about two or three years. So I went to see her three times. That place feels familiar because I have her. I’m exploring a lot. It has a nice metropolitan vibe to it, and it has an entire waterfront too. So for me, it’s the perfect combination of both worlds. Other than that, I love Los Angeles. It’s one thing, with beaches and everything else.
When traveling, are you the one making the itinerary or do youabout who followed it?
Usually, with the kind of friends I travel with, there’s always one person who’s completely on the cutting edge and wants to do all the planning, so I just let them do it because it saves effort (laughs). Of course, if there’s anything I’d like to do, I’ll suggest it. But it’s always been carefully planned for me. I like to have something ready that I can follow while gaining all the experience.
Tell me about your childhood travel memories.
I remember there used to be a mandatory family holiday every year. It’s mostly in the US or London, basically big cities. My parents have a lot of friends in the US, so we mainly go to LA, New York and Miami. I think maybe that’s where my love for the beach comes from. During these trips, I’m dying to go to an amusement park, whether it’s Disneyland or Universal Studios.
which is your preferred destination IndiaA?
Now Kerala is where I want to keep going back. Bangalore is one of my favorite cities because I have a lot of friends there, even my best friend lived there before moving to Australia. I realized that I need people around me. So Kerala, Bangalore and of course Goa are my top picks in India.
Which is your favorite shopping destination?
You know I’m not a shopaholic at all. I hate shopping! I know a lot of people who just take these shopping trips and get really excited about going somewhere just to check things out. I am exactly the opposite. But if I had to pick one, I think Dubai and London have it all when it comes to shopping.
What’s left on your travel bucket list?
I want to go diving in the Philippines. I want to see Machu Picchu. I want to go hiking there. I want to go to Brazil. I want to go to Japan. I want to watch the cherry blossom season. These are on my bucket list. I’m going to cross them all off my list.
