Global feasts

Do you like travelling?

I love travelling if it is for a holiday because, usually, our work doesn’t allow us to enjoy a destination the way it’s meant to be enjoyed. Having said that, I really liked shooting for Rockstar in Prague. Whenever Imtiaz [Ali] went scouting for locations, I followed him around. In Europe, I also loved Hungary, where I shot for an ad. And Italy! When we were shooting Bachna Ae Haseeno there, I fell in love with the food, the people and the culture, especially in Venice and Puglia. Otherwise, I’m more of a beach bum, so you’ll find me in Seychelles, on the Australian coast or in Mauritius. But no matter where I go, New York (where I studied) will always be top of the heap for me.

Any particular NY favourites?

Being a Kapoor, my best memories are obviously related to food… going to Peter Luger, for instance, where I ate the best steak I have ever had!

What about family holidays?

Oh, I remember the time when we went to Mauritius together. We had such an amazing holiday—lolling on the beach, enjoying the wildlife and spending most of our time swimming. Also, holidays at my dadi’s house were always special—even if they were weekend trips. For us kids, it meant non-stop pampering and eating. I grew up on the paya from her kitchen.

You seem like quite a foodie. Any on-the-road food disasters you recall?

Well, not on a vacation. But you know, when I went abroad to study, I carried a lot of canned Indian food. You can have firangi khana for three or four days; after that you crave Indian food. Which is why, I tried making keema once. I liked it but my roommate thought it was a disaster… That day, I missed home like never before.

So do your holidays often revolve around food?

While it’s good that I can go on a binge when I’m on a holiday (so no karela juice!); I eat, sleep and chill. And I compensate for all the unhealthy eating by spending time in the gym and running — since I can enjoy the anonymity and experience the sights and sounds of a place.

Do you shop?

Again, this is embarrassing. But I always bring back cheese—especially cream cheese—from wherever I go. It is almost a disorder. I just can’t resist it! And to top that, I don’t share my cheeses with anyone. In my fridge you will always find cream cheese, frozen dim sum, sausages, salami and ham.

What do you always pack for a holiday?

Passport, sufficient dollars, a credit card and a suitcase of travel essentials. I am not telling any more!

What’s next on your wish list?

Brazil and Argentina because I have heard and read a lot about their culture, food, music and women!