By Nivedita
Christchurch, Nov 13 (IANS) In his younger days, he travelled a lot as his father was in the merchant navy. And now Sidharth Malhotra's acting career takes him places -- literally. He says visiting different countries and experiencing a gamut of cultures opens up one's mind and also helps in self-discovery.
In a tete-a-tete with IANS in an ongoing trip in New Zealand, he said: "While travelling, you experience something new because you don't know what you are going to see, how you are going to do things. As people, you learn something and it opens up your head. I think it adds to your personality a lot."
He said, "Travelling is a mode of self-discovery".
"I started off travelling at a younger age because my father was in merchant navy. When you start travelling, you start becoming more inquisitive and adventurous as as you grow up."
"I travel with my friend in a country where they don't know much about Hindi movies or my language. I can be much more free and that becomes far more exciting. You try local cusine, explore streets...," added the Delhi boy, who now lives in Mumbai.
Does he enjoy going unnoticed when in a foreign land?
"I grew up in such a surrounding that half of my life I was an unknown face. Yes, of course, a part of me sometimes feels restricted at times when I am back home and doing normal activities. But on the other hand, I am very gracious living this way also, because I have been wanting this for the last couple of years... It's a Catch 22 thing. Sometimes it's fun, and sometimes it's not," he said.
Sidharth is currently here to shoot some new campaigns. He hopes to bring his family to New Zealand sometime too.
On his second trip to the country, he has especially loved Christchurch.
"It has nice, easy vibes and it's comparatively younger I feel. It is less populated, which again makes this place very attractive for people like us who come from India. Its secluded, scenic, relaxed nature makes it a complete destination for anybody," he said.
Given a chance, would he get married here?
"I am not sure if I am getting married soon, but, of course, if I do plan to settle down in future, this is the place to come. The scenery of this place is so romantic that it will be lovely to come with your partner," he said as he looked out of the window during a KiwiRail scenic journey.
(The writer's trip is at the invitation of Tourism New Zealand. Nivedita can be contacted at nivedita.s@ians.in)
