Life outside the sets

An actor’s schedule is often unpredictable and so are their weekends. In fact, I’m not always free on my weekends. So whenever I am off work, it substitutes as my weekend.

I love to head out to where my wanderlust takes me, it could be in Bengaluru itself or somewhere in North India. I love to visit places in the North and know more about their culture although I’ve been to Delhi and Rishikesh already.

I’ve also been to Goa, at least eight times, and every time it has been a different experience. Even if I have just a day for myself I head out to places like Yercaud, Ooty, Conoor, Coorg, Chikkamagaluru and Sakleshpur with my travel buddies Deepu, Nikita and Kiran.

Just like travel, adventure sports are a big part of my life. I love water sports. I know my limits but I thoroughly enjoy myself when I’m river-rafting or even just swimming.

While our family hardly get time to spend together, when my father Ramakrishna, mother Sumaja, sister Neha and I are at home, we make it a point to have a good time. All our family visits happen then.

This is also the time when we enjoy my mom’s cooking. She makes awesome food including my favourite sweets like ‘obattu’, ‘shavige payasa’, ‘carrot halwa’ and ‘coconut burfi’. I also love to cook when I’m at home. But, I prefer that my mother does it. I like to just sit back and enjoy!

I do not have pets as my parents are not comfortable with the idea, but my sister and I love them. So whenever I visit my neighbours and friends, I spend time with their dogs.
Meeting friends and cousins is high on my list when I’m in Bengaluru. I have a good circle of friends with whom I chill out.

A special mention goes to Savitha, a friend from my PUC days. We both are foodies and love restaurant hopping. In fact, we never visit the same restaurant twice and thankfully, Bengaluru has plenty of options.

Savitha and I share a special bond and she is my 2 am friend.

I eat healthy and make sure that fitness activities are a big part of my schedule. From meditation and yoga to working out at the gym, I make sure that I am fit in body and mind. I don’t work out just because I am an actor, I do it because I have noticed how it changed my outlook towards many things.

Theatre is another passion of mine. I am a part of a theatre group and our rehearsals and shows happen during the weekends. Sometimes, I am out from morning to evening for rehearsal. I am also a part of stage shows and dance performances and I feel lucky that I can dance. It is a very liberating feeling. Through stage performances, I feel one can express themselves completely.

I’m an outdoor person but it often depends on my mood. And if I am not exploring places, I like to be at home and relaxing with a book.” 

(As told to Tini Sara Anien)