Actor Amar Upadhyay, who has been balancing the demanding schedule of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 for the past 10 months, recently took a short break from work and spent time in Goa. Accompanied by his wife, daughter, and a family friend, he chose South Goa for the holiday.
Why Goa remains his favourite destination
Upadhyay says, “Goa has always been my favourite destination. Whenever I think of an impromptu holiday, it is the first place that comes to mind. It is close to Mumbai, just an hour-long flight away.”
Memories of a different Goa
His association with Goa goes back several decades, to a trip he took as a teenager with a group of friends. He reminisces, “I first visited Goa as a teenager with a group of friends. We travelled across the state on bikes and spent nearly two weeks exploring it. There was very little traffic then, and Goa felt very different from what it is today. Those memories have stayed with me over the years. What I still enjoy most about Goa are its small lanes, relaxed atmosphere and, of course, the shacks. My favourite time to visit is during December and January.”
Slowing down by the sea
A large part of the destination’s appeal lies in the opportunity to slow down and spend time by the sea. He shares, “I have always loved being by the sea. What I particularly enjoy about South Goa is its clean, expansive coastline. One of my favourite rituals there is an early morning run along the shore, usually covering five to six kilometres. In the evenings, we go for long walks, spend time at a shack and simply unwind with family by the beach. There is something deeply calming about sitting by the sea and watching the waves. We also hired a car for a couple of days because my family wanted to explore parts of North Goa, visit a few shacks and do some shopping. Apart from that, we mostly stayed at the hotel, visited nearby restaurants and spent time together.”
Taking a break from the daily grind
The break came at a time when Upadhyay felt the need to step away from the demanding routine of television shoots and recharge. He says, “Television shoots are very hectic, especially when you are the male lead of a show. It usually means working 25 to 26 days a month and putting in 10 to 12 hours a day. I have been shooting for Kyunki 2 for the last 10 months and, while I enjoy the process, it can get exhausting. I had a few days available and felt I needed a genuine break. It is important to step away once in a while and return feeling rejuvenated.”
He adds, “Whenever I am travelling with my family, I try to disconnect completely from work, whether it is acting, construction or anything else. I know that once I return, everything starts all over again (smiles).”
