Kajol Devgan

OT: Growing up, what were holidays like — with mom Tanuja and sister Tanisha?

Kajol Devgan: My mother is a great traveller — she just loves to travel — and both my sister and I have learnt to love travelling from her. Growing up, our holidays were totally economical, and I remember having some great holidays at Lonavala, where she has a house. We also took some fun-filled trips to Kolhapur and Poona.

OT: After marriage did your holidaying preferences and destinations change?

Kajol Devgan: Luckily, both Ajay and I have similar holiday preferences; we both like our comforts, so no roughing it out for us. Five-star hotels it is for us always (chuckles).

OT: What are your family holidays like now with children? Which place do Nysa and Yug love the most?

Kajol Devgan: Well, the biggest thing that has changed is that we buy six tickets (two for the helps) when we travel — and with the way fares are going up, this digs a big hole in the wallet. And, of course, now we usually plan travel keeping in mind what the kids will like. Which is why we end up going to Goa so often, as both Nysa and Yug love it there.

OT: What are the five things you always pack?

Kajol Devgan: My kids, my health, my husband, my sense of humour and Huggies (diapers) packs.

OT: Which country did you enjoy shooting in the most?

Kajol Devgan: For Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, the song ‘Sooraj hua madham’ was shot in Egypt. And while I was there only for five days, I fell in love with the country. It is beautiful and the pyramids are breathtaking. Although I saw very little on that trip, I have always wanted to go back. I also remember the time spent shooting in Kashmir for Dil Kya Kare; in fact, we came back just a day before the Kargil war started.

OT: What do you usually bring back from your holidays?

Kajol Devgan: I try not to shop. Because I find it too difficult to choose — so I dither and dither, can’t decide and time passes. I’d rather not take the stress of shopping when travelling and rather just chill totally.

OT: Are you a foodie?

Kajol Devgan: Oh yes, I am a big foodie; when I travel, I eat to my heart’s content and then worry about working it all off when I am back in Mumbai.

OT: What sort of books do you read when travelling? And what are you reading now?

Kajol Devgan: I haven’t bought a book in ages actually, ever since I have got hooked to my Kindle. I find it easier and much more convenient, as this way I can carry 70 books — an entire library when I travel. But, that said, somehow I haven’t read any interesting author for a while. I keep reading synopses but nothing has really enthralled me for a long time now.