OT: Favourite hotel in the world?
Shruti Haasan: Honestly, it’s difficult to pick one because I like several. But Taj Coromandel (www.tajhotels.com) in Chennai tops the list — it’s really like an extended home for our family. Growing up in the city, Coromandel formed the backdrop for many memorable afternoons and evenings.

OT: Last visited?
Shruti Haasan: Whenever I’m in Chennai (which is fairly often), I visit the Taj Coromandel. Whether it’s a working lunch or catching up with friends and family, I always find enough reason to be there. But since I have a home in the same city, I rarely check into the hotel.  

OT: The experience?
Shruti Haasan: The property has a winning, old-fashioned charm — carved wood furniture, muted linens, large bathrooms and imposing desks — that marries the design sensibilities of South India with classic European elegance. And as a musician, I also look forward to their live jazz evenings.

Besides, I think what makes a hotel special is its service and hospitality. It’s just terrible when the staff is rude and standoffish. But at the Coromandel, I have never had occasion to carp. They have a wonderful set of trained staff, who follow you like shadows — unobtrusive, yet attentive. And though people assume that I get better service than the average punter, I know for a fact that bending over backwards for guests is de rigueur in that hotel.    

OT: The food?
Shruti Haasan: Eating out in Chennai usually means dining at Prego, in the Coromandel — they serve some splendid, authentic Italian fare. It’s comfort food for me. I know I can order blindly and never be disappointed. And there’s something about their freshly made pasta, greens and meats that make each meal memorable. It’s amazing how they manage to surprise me, even after all these years. Prego offers a great collection of wines from all around the world as well. 

OT: Repeat visit?
Shruti Haasan: Yes, certainly. On my next trip to Chennai.