Vaani Kapoor is an actor who wears her heart on her sleeve. On Travel+Leisure India & South Asia’s cover shoot at The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas, she shares the adventure activities one her bucket list, destinations that move her, and more.
Excerpts from the interview with Vaani Kapoor:
T+L India: What are the destinations in India that have moved you?
Vaani Kapoor: The Himalayas and Rajasthan. Rajasthan is so rich in culture and architecture; you have beautiful forts and palaces with so much history attached. And I find the hills quite adventurous. [They are] nostalgic because there are childhood memories associated with them.
T+L India: What are some of the adventure activities and destinations on your bucket list?
Vaani Kapoor: [I] really want to try snorkelling and surfing. [And] Japan and South Africa are on top of my bucket list. Are you also adventurous with your food choices? I don’t know how adventurous I am [but] there are certain things that I love, [like] the vibe in Dubai for breakfast, Holybelly in Paris, Merci Marcel in Singapore, and The Brasserie in London. I [also] tried the unconventional and experimental escargots in Paris once.
T+L India: You played a difficult and unconventional character in your last movie Chandigarh Kare Aashiqi. What drew you to that character?
Vaani Kapoor: The fact that such conversations are so important and necessary for our society. This dialogue hadn’t started in our industry in the way [that] it did [after the movie]. I believe the representation was also quite zilch. I had never seen a character like Manvi before in Hindi cinema and I felt there was a great opportunity for me to do something that is so meaningful. Such characters are rarely written, and it made so much sense because I connected to [the character].
T+L India: How do you stay inspired and continue to push your creative boundaries?
Vaani Kapoor: I’m also evolving with them. There are things that I get inspired by and inspired to do. When you are mentally relaxed and emotionally calm, you find inspiration; [and] creativity kicks in when you feel more centred. I meditate every day to centre myself.
T+L India: What’s your travelling style?
Vaani Kapoor: My travelling style depends on where I’m off to. As kids, we used to do a lot of road travel. My mother just used to throw our bags and throw us in the boot of the car and we would travel 12-14 hours. I’m very easy-going and not very stiff with my travel plans.
T+L India: Who is Vaani Kapoor off the camera?
Vaani Kapoor: I’m someone who’s deeply passionate about the people in my life; my family and friends mean the world to me. And I’m driven by my heart. I’m just someone who’s still exploring a lot.
T+L India: What’s the most valuable life lesson that you’ve gained from the industry?
Vaani Kapoor: This industry is not as easy as one might think and you’re always under pressure. You need to rewire yourself, which is why travel is so important for us actors. You need to go out in the world and discover places; explore life and people; and embrace whatever the place has to offer. One can lose touch with who they really are, and you need to take a step back when it gets a little overwhelming, rewire yourself, and then come back.
T+L India: What do you think about The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas, the location for the September cover shoot?
Vaani Kapoor: I love it, it’s beautiful. It [was] raining heavily, but still so stunning. It’s all green and you can reconnect with nature [here]. I’ve been travelling to the hills since childhood. Our summer vacations were mostly spent there, and I find the hills quite adventurous. Being born and brought up in Delhi we used to always run to the hills. [The property] is so serene and beautiful. [We’re] up in the Himalayas, and despite the weather, I feel quite calm and tranquil.
Related: Driving Down The Road To Success With Superstar Allu Arjun In Hyderabad
Written By
Simrran Gill
Features EditorAn advocate of slow travel, Simrran Gill can mostly be found documenting her journeys, food, and people. Often fascinated by life in general, she is a true-blue Delhite and loves every opportunity to pack a suitcase and hop on the next flight out. She is a post-graduate in journalism and has previously worked with Outlook Traveller. When not travelling ..Read More
