Lady Gaga

OT: What is your favourite destination in the world?
Lady Gaga: Now that I am here and know what it is [like], it’s definitely India. I feel like I waited a lifetime to come here. The sights are beautiful, but the most beautiful sight is that of the people — forever smiling. Everything is so vibrant and alive. I had been to an orphanage where there were all these kids who sang and played music with me. It was one sweet party. But my Indian holiday is too fresh. I would want to go back home and internalise all my experiences. And I’m sure, memories of the time I spent here, however brief, are going to make the others look like faded photos from a museum.

OT: What is it that drew you to India in the first place?
Lady Gaga: I have realised that a lot of my philosophies about art and life are mirrored in the Hindu religion. Like the idea of reincarnation: to be reborn in your true living days and not just after death. A lot of my friends like Deepak Chopra and Bikram Choudhury talked to me about India and I was just so keen to experience it myself. There is going to be a lot of India in whatever I do from now on — my music, my life, my clothes. The Indian hippie in me will certainly have a stronger say in my existence.

OT: Apart from India, any other vacation you enjoyed?
Lady Gaga: I went to Mexico and learnt to surf and bodyboard. It is a lot of fun — and you don’t need a partner to feel that state of heightened ecstasy; you can reach it yourself.

OT: One holiday destination you keep going back to…
Lady Gaga: Earlier it was St Tropez. It was just so convenient… when in doubt go to St Tropez. I also like Hawaii. I’m a beach person. But now it has to be India. I can’t wait to come back to see more. Also because I love summers — it’s hard to believe, but I loved the weather. I’d love to be here in the peak of the heat and enjoy mangoes.

OT: You’d come back just for mangoes?
Lady Gaga: Ah no! There is far too much to do here. This trip was really short. But I could meet some Bollywood idols such as Shah Rukh Khan. I love Bollywood for its heightened sense of reality and surreal genius. I have seen a few films; I love how theatrical they are. I want to be in a Bollywood film or do something in Bollywood music.

OT: What do you like to do while on a holiday?
Lady Gaga: I’m always searching for something new to do. I was exposed to classical music here, so I want to pick up and learn the sitar. The artistes that I am most familiar with are the DJs and I will be collaborating with them.

OT: How fond are you of local cuisines?
Lady Gaga: Very! I am always trying local food. I often ask my chef to note down recipes I like on a trip. But it just doesn’t taste the same at home. I love spicy curry. I used to eat Indian food in New York, but it tastes much better here.

OT: What about souvenirs?
Lady Gaga: I always buy them. I went to Dilli Haat almost as soon as I landed. I’m definitely bringing more empty suitcases and stuffed wallets next time.