Goa most assuredly provides an excellent getaway from the stress of a busy lifestyle. It not only ensures tranquility but is also a place that appeals to the artistic temperament. It is no wonder that so many people from the film industry have developed a deep love for Goa.
Co-writer and co-producer of the film Mrs (featuring Sanya Malhotra), Harman Baweja was recently in Goa for its Asia premiere at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). In a candid chat with Gomantak Times Digital, he reveals that he’s so smitten by Goa that he hopes to be born a Goan in his next life.
MOPA AIRPORT MAKES THINGS EASY
The fact that Goa is not too far from Mumbai makes taking off for the State an ideal proposition.
Harman says, “I must tell you, I decided to go to Goa last night. And the next morning, I was in Goa. I landed at 11.30 at night, and I'm already back in Mumbai today. So, for me, Goa is like going to town and coming back to Mumbai.”
He adds that with the new Mopa airport travel in the north is much easier.
“I must tell you, I decided to go to Goa last night. And the next morning, I was in Goa. I landed at 11.30 at night, and I'm already back in Mumbai today. So, for me, Goa is like going to town and coming back to Mumbai
Harman Baweja, writer-producer
TO BE REBORN IN GOA
“I'm a sucker for Goa. Someone just needs to say Goa, and I'm like, sure. Honestly, I do pretty much everything a tourist does. While, of course, I hit the beach, I also love to visit some nice restaurants. In Goa, there are so many new places which open up, so you can come anytime and keep exploring these restaurants and great bars,” says Harman whose must-visit restaurants are The Second House and Nama - Waterfront Eatery & Bar in Saligao.
The vibe of Goa invigorates everyone who visits and Harman gives a testimony to that. “The minute you step into Goa, there's just something that happens to your mind, your energy – it picks up. You tend to switch into this very calm, easy mode, and this really works for me,” he says.
He adds, “Goa gives me great clarity of thought for everything I'm doing. It has that magic which kind of takes away the madness and clears my mind. That’s what I need in my life. I think sometimes a break like this is needed.”
The minute you step into Goa, there's just something that happens to your mind, your energy – it picks up. You tend to switch into this very calm, easy mode, and this really works for me.
Harman Baweja, writer-producer
A PLACE IN GOA IS NOT FEASIBLE
It’s not just the Goans who find property rates in Goa exorbitant, celebrities too have to think twice before investing in a home in Goa.
Harman says, “Land has become so expensive in Goa. I mean, there was a time where one would think about it, one would talk about it. I feel like I got left behind amongst a lot of my friends who bit the bullet much faster than me. They ended up picking up places, and now they're really happy about it. But everything has shot up so much in Goa.”
He counters his last statement with, “But the good thing is that I have so many close friends who have so many houses in and around that I technically don't need a house now. So, thanks to them and thanks to friendship,” he says and laughs.
He is currently shooting for his next film Dil Ka Darwaza Khol Na Darling in Goa’s Siolim, where he will be staying for another two days before heading to the City of Dreams, Mumbai.