Samir Kochhar

OT: You’ve been anchoring an IPL show on television for years now. What is the best thing about it as a traveller?

Samir Kochhar: During IPL, life is living out of a suitcase. During the tournament, we visit various parts of the country. The whole experience is fun and madness. It becomes hectic too, but there is a lot of excitement. I have had many experiences, the IPL shifting to UAE for the first time this year was something different. I also had a chance to do skydiving in the UAE. I went to Singapore this year and shot for a special episode with the cast and crew of The Amazing Spider-Man. I met Jamie Foxx, Andrew Garfield and Marc Webb. I had a lovely time playing cricket with Jamie and Andrew. Back in India it’s wonderful to visit various cities. I have become a regular at some hotels where they recognise me, they do special things for me like reserving the room I like and serve my favourite food, and they know what I like. It’s great to have special treatment.

OT: The most interesting souvenir you have brought back from your vacations?

Samir Kochhar: I collect magnets. My wife and I, we both collect fridge magnets. Half of our fridge is filled with magnets from the places we visited and the remaining is left to be filled with the places we will visit in the future.

OT: Where do you generally go for a weekend getaway?

Samir Kochhar: Goa is a no-brainer. It is the shortest distance (from Mumbai) to get there. I also got married in Goa. Sometimes, I feel I am a Punjabi Goan. Goa is a destination where you can relax and unwind. The other place is Delhi because my family lives there.

OT: Your best holiday so far?

Samir Kochhar: Spain and Paris. It was a superb holiday with my wife. We watched the Euro Cup under the Eiffel Tower on the giant screen. I visited the Real Madrid Stadium. I saw Paris on a Segway. I went cycling in Grenada. I also saw flamenco dance in a cave.

OT: What destinations are on your wish list?

Samir Kochhar: There are so many places I would love to visit. My list is exhaustive. I want to go around the world. Brazil, Australia, Germany, Kenya, Bora Bora Island… I am going to America this year for a holiday.

OT: What are the three things you always pack for a holiday?

Samir Kochhar: Charger, because I always forget it, cologne, shades.

OT: What do you avoid on holidays?

Samir Kochhar: I avoid doing too much on holidays. I keep it light and don’t to do too much travelling or too much planning. I keep away from too much sightseeing. It’s not mandatory that if there is a place you got to necessarily visit it. You visit places because you want to and not because you have to. I generally don’t like to wake up early on holidays.

OT: Are you into adventure sports? If yes, does your wife participate in those?

Samir Kochhar: My wife is a crazy fan of adventure sports, definitely more than me. My wife wants to do bungee jumping, wants to snorkel; she wants to jump off a plane, a helicopter. She wants to go to Disney World and sit on all the rides and roller-coaster. I might not be able to accompany her on to all the crazy rides.

OT: Have you made any great restaurant discoveries on your trips?
Samir Kochhar: Moti Mahal in Delhi; Thai Pavillion at President Hotel in Mumbai; Vishala Thali in Ahmedabad; Aaheli restaurant at The Peerless Inn in Kolkata; Karavalli- The Gateway Hotel in Bangalore; La Page and Martins corner in Goa; Sea front in Barceloneta – lots of great restaurants there.

OT: If you could have a fantasy vacation, what would it be?
Samir Kochhar: Fantasy vacation would probably be to visit the same planet as the Avatar (the movie), see the creatures there. Probably go to the era of Star Wars. It will be something thrilling.

Samir Kochhar, television anchor and model, has been an anchor of Extra Innings T20 – Indian Premier League on Set Max for about 6 years now.