When the lockdown restrictions eased, Yamini Malhotra packed her bags for a quick vacation. The Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin actor, along with her mommy dearest, went to Lonavala and Pawna Lake for two days.
“I’m having good fun. Firstly, my mom has come to visit me in Mumbai. This is the first time that she has travelled in one and a half years. Ever since COVID began, last year she had not stepped out of home. Secondly, we could travel together, even if it was for a short period. More than me, I wanted her to enjoy and breathe fresh air, which is why we went for this road trip to Lonavala and Pawna Lake. The weather was amazing and the scenic beauty was to die for. Wherever we turned our heads, it was lush green and beautiful. It is a must go to the Ghats during the monsoon,” she adds.
Yamini says short breaks are important for an actor. “They are such a breather and help you relax as well. Mumbai life is tough, traffic, crowded places, etc, and shooting schedules are also very hectic. Short breaks rejuvenate your entire system,” says the actor, adding that since the pandemic restricted travel, so taking one after so many months was bliss but felt very different too.
“It’s not the same anymore. That terror of Covid remains in your subconscious. We preferred not to go to any crowded places or restaurants. Since we were on a road trip, we tried to find secluded places where there was not many people and had only scenic beauty,” she says.
A passionate traveller, Yamini loves everything about exploring and experiencing something new. “I love road trips. So many unexpected can happen on such trips, it is no less an adventure. It also feels good to see new places and new people. In India every 50 kms, the terrain, the culture, the language, the dressing style, change. So it’s fun to soak in all the different shades of our country,” adds the actor, whose favorite places are Goa and Uttarakhand in India. Her favourite international destination is Dubai.
About the travel essentials in her bag, more so now amid the pandemic, she shares, “Now sanitizers and masks are must carry. But, to tell you the truth, there are no travel essentials for me. I actually want to pack everything (laughs). My friends laugh when they see me carrying one big suitcase packed for a two-day trip. I want matching footwear and handbags with all my clothes, and then my own pillow, sheet, towel, toiletries, my Bluetooth speaker, tripod, and diet coke cans.”

*Dilip Kumar no more: Celebs pay tribute!* Dilip Kumar, the doyen of Hindi Cinema, breathed his last on Wednesday. He was 98. The legendary actor is survived by his wife, actor Saira Banu. The news of his demise has left the entire film fraternity, his friends and fans across the globe, shocked, sad and in mourning. Celebrities offer their condolences to his family, talk about his contribution to Hindi cinema and what they have learnt from him. They also tell us about their favourite film of the artist, whose expression, signature smile and the way he put life into his characters on screen continues to impress and inspire many.
*Hasan Zaidi* It’s the saddest news ever, Dilip Saab, everybody says he was an institution but if there’s somebody that I have really followed, really admired and really wished to have met or worked with, it is Dilip Saab and all the cinema genres and all the industry all over the world, it was one person that I thought the complete man in every sense, complete Artist, Human being in every sense, somebody who embodied everything, what’s is with being a good human being a man and actor, the amount of education he had the way, he equipped himself, the way he understood cinema, politics and the responsibility as an artist, I think nobody else could. And I have read books on him, I have just finished reading his book, in fact, just a week back I watched all his Films, This is just the saddest day ever. If you ask me my favorite Film of his is Ram aur Shyam, it had everything in it, it had all emotions in it, but there is no film that you can pick up of Dilip Kumar Saab and say that there’s something missing in it.
Yeah duniya aaj se, Phir mehroom ho gai.. Aap thhey, to, Yeah duniya, behtar thhi.. Na hua hai, na ho payega Koi shaks aapsa, Na shaqsiyat Koi, na fankaar aapsa, Yousuf Sahb. Visited this planet.. Made it better And left.. Thank you sir.. For sooooooooooo much. Inna lillahe WA Inna elaihe rajeoon.
*Anjali Phougat* This news is heartbreaking. May his soul rest in peace. Dilip Kumar ji was a true legend and the film industry lost a gem today. My favourite of his films is Mughal-E-Azam. He was an inspiration to many and his acting skills were unmatched. Dilip Kumar Ji was a veritable legend of the silver screen. My sincerest condolences to Dilip ji’s family and fans. We will never be able to fill this void. He will live in our hearts forever and we will always cherish his films. He has been involved with a number of charitable and social initiatives and taught us to give back to the community in whatever way possible. He was such an inspiration to millions.
*Sagar Parekh* Waking up to the news of Dilip Kumar’s demise is definitely heartbreaking. It is a huge loss for our film industry. He was an actor who never failed to connect with his audience with every character he performed on screen. Be it Andaz, Deedar, Devdas or any other film, he mesmerized us with his performance in all of them. Indians love sad stories and Dilip Kumar Ji was known as the ultimate tragedy king. My favourite film of Dilip Kumar is Andaz. His character’s name in the movie too was Dilip. The characters he played were intricate, self-conscious, powerful and rebellious in their own terms. I loved everything about him and have learnt so much.
*Priyanka Lalwani* I am disheartened to hear about the demise of Dilip Kumar sir. He is one of the legends of Hindi cinema. A trendsetter in terms of acting, style, he has and will continue to inspire generations of actors. I remember how much I enjoyed watching his films Mughal-e-Azam, Saudagar, Naya Daur and many others. My grandfather has a vast collection of all the film songs of Dilip Kumar and he still plays it on his system all the time. When I spoke to my grandfather today, he was heartbroken to hear the news but we ended up discussing Dilip ji’s films and the music we used to listen to. He told me about his favourite films being Ram Aur Shyam and Azad. I Hope Dilip sir’s journey has been fulfilling and a beautiful one. Strength and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
*Nivedita Basu* Dilip Kumar was an icon for the entire Bollywood community. My two favourite films of his are Karma and Saudagar. I did not watch too many films as a child though. I think he lived his life happily with his wife Saira Banu. I remember seeing him smiling in all the pictures, during his interactions with the media. To wear a smile even in your toughest time is something which I think we should learn from him. He loved his craft and his passion got translated into his performances. He was a method actor. I very clearly remember Saudagar because it was one of the cult films that I watched as a kid. The news of his demise is shocking. He is and will always be loved and looked up to. His art was pure and continues to inspire actors of all generations.
*Sharad Malhotra* Dilip Kumar The king of Indian cinema left us today morning leaving behind the legacy that will remain forever in our lives and in our hearts, I have seen most of his Films Mughal-E-Azam, Saudagar, Karma, Mashaal are my favorite films by seeing his films I have learnt a lot as an actor, he got an amazing life partner as Saira Banu who stood by him through thick and thin

Monsoon is here. The season often brings back fond memories of spending rainy days with family, friends and gorging on good food. Many love the music of rain drops and enjoy drenching in the downpour. Some of us have romantic memories attached to rain as well. Celebrities too walk down memory lane, reminisces the special time spent during monsoon. They also share about their love for monsoon and the food they enjoy during the season.

Arun Mandola

I am a nature lover. Every Year I wait for the monsoon because this is a time when I connect with nature. During the monsoon, it feels like birds, animals, trees, mountain sky, everything comes alive. It’s become a universal wonder when rain water touches soil and that fragrance is the best fragrance on earth. I love pakodas and ginger tea during the monsoon. I remember my mother always made those yummy aloo paranthas during rainy days and those are my best memories.

Nikhil Malik

I love the monsoon. The smell of the soil when the first drops of rain touch the earth is amazing. When I used to be in Delhi during monsoon, mom made pakodas and coffee. Having a good conversation over good food is what I miss these days. The atmosphere is very peaceful during monsoon and I forget every problem and tension in my life during that time. It is one of the best times of the year, it keeps me nice and calm.

Prateik Chaudhary

My fondest monsoon memories about the rains would be a trip down Lonavala with my childhood friends. Being a Mumbaikar, you can say it’s like a tradition to visit Lonavala during the monsoon season. So during my childhood days, during monsoon I even used to make those trips to Tiger point and eat bhajiyas, maggie and chai. Listening to good music while enjoying a long drive during monsoon makes me happy.

Gaurva Mukesh

I have grown up in a joint family. I remember every time it used to rain we cousins used to go to the terrace and block water from flowing out of the pipes. This was done to make sure that the terrace is filled with water and looks like a pool. And then we used to play in the pool. My favourite monsoon food is paneer and dal pakoda with tea.