“Scuba diving changed my life.”

KALANK ACTOR SONAKSHI SINHA IS A TOTAL WATER BABY. HERE, SHE REVEALS HER TRAVEL WISH LIST, WHAT MAKES FOR A GREAT ITINERARY, AND HOW SCUBA DIVING OPENS UP YOUR WORLD.

What does travel mean to you?

Travel is something that I really look forward to. It’s a gateway to the world; you learn so much, see and experience so many new things. [Travelling] is the best way for a person to grow.

Your most memorable holiday?

It has to be the first trip I took with my friends without adult supervision (laughs). We went to London, and this was just before Dabangg released. I felt independent for the first time. When you are doing things on your own—booking your tickets and your stay, walking on the streets, just going out—that’s memorable. Other than that, the first time I went to the

Maldives!

What kind of a traveller are you?

I am a chilled-out traveller. I like to go with the flow. I don’t like to plan too many things in advance, because travel can be unpredictable. You may plan something, but you might end up doing something else that day, depending on your mood. Usually, I get to the place first, and then figure out what I want to do.

You’re a diver. When did you know you wanted to be one?

I discovered snorkelling when I was in the Maldives for a shoot. What you see underwater is so beautiful and different. And the second time I was there was when

I went scuba diving for the first time, and it was the most surreal experience. It changed my life. Though I haven’t gotten my license yet, I go freediving. I’m a good swimmer, but I haven’t gone deeper than 12-15 metres. I want to get my scuba diving certificate soon. Just being underwater, swimming with the turtles, seeing the corals—that’s when you realise the importance of preserving the oceans.

What are your top diving destinations?

The Great Barrier Reef, Bahamas, Seychelles, and of course, the Maldives.

And places you want to visit?

I want to go to Tokyo; Greece, especially Mykonos; and do a road trip through Europe.

Your travel discoveries while on shoot?

The ruins in Hampi. I got to see those while I was shooting for Rowdy Rathore.

I recently went to Bhopal, and we were staying at this beautiful property in Chanderi, which overlooks the entire town. Jaipur and Jodhpur are cities that I would not have visited if it weren’t for work.

Tell us about your upcoming projects.

There’s Kalank, which is a period film. In Mission Mangal, I’m playing a scientist, which includes travelling to Mars! (laughs) Then, I’m starting Dabangg 3 very soon. I think 2019 has started on an amazing note.