You may know of Hasleen Kaur as the vivacious actor starring in last year’s Bollywood movie, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar. But her role in Netflix’s crime thriller CAT, which also stars Randeep Hooda, as a young and courageous police officer is what makes her stand out. A former Miss India Earth and also a model, Kaur captivates not only through her on-screen charisma but also with her delightful tales of food and travel. For her, these pursuits are not mere indulgences but essential elements of a life well-lived. “I purposely make travel plans even when there’s no work and love to explore new places when I’m on holiday. That hasn’t changed since forever,” she says.
As she navigates the realms of cinema and life, she is not the typical traveller or foodie, transversing through the alleys of only Instagram-worthy places. For her, travel is more than sustenance; it’s a gateway to understanding culture and forging connections with people. For example, most of us would visit Europe for architecture, food, fashion, and culture. But Kaur’s wanderlust takes her through experiences, not confined to exotic locales. “With my husband Amber, we did a full World War 2 tour through the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France and went to places where wars were fought, where WW2 museums are filled with so much history and significance. We also like to find out a lot of Indian history in all of this, like how our troops fought in the Allied forces. It’s all very fascinating,” she adds.
We caught up with the actor and model to understand her passion for travel and culinary adventures and how she finds her ground while treading the glamorous paths of Bollywood:
1. How would you describe your relationship with the likes of travel and food? And has it evolved with time?
Hasleen Kaur: I love to travel! In fact, I love it so much that being fixated on one place for too long makes me restless. I sometimes even joke about living out of a suitcase or in the sky. I’m a foodie even though most people who’ve seen me eat won’t agree. I eat piece meals but I’m a muncher. Earlier I used to love eating out but now I love trying new things at home and I feel home food is the best.
2. How has your passion for travel influenced your perspective on life and work?
Travel comes before work I guess. I plan a lot of work around my travels and vice versa. As I was growing up I used to love going to pick my dad up from the airport every time he returned from one of his postings. Most of his travels were by train or road, but whenever by air, we used to love going to the airport to leave or receive him. It was like a feeling. Going to the airport meant happiness so I’m always happy to fly off to someplace even if it’s back to back. I never get tired mentally. I think all of us must travel a lot in life, work or no work. Seeing new places, and meeting new people gives us a new perspective on life each time.
3. Are there any particular foods that hold special significance for you?
The Saag and makki di roti, that my mom makes. Not everyone can make it well but the way she makes it is so delicious. The feeling of gathering together while she makes the roti by hand and serves with homemade butter and ghee on the saag, garam garam. And of course, my dad’s chai. It’s not the tastiest I have to admit. But evening tea time is his responsibility at home and we all sit together to have it with biscuits or my dad’s favourite mathis. I am a big tea lover.
4. Have you ever had a memorable or unique culinary experience during your travels that you’d like to share?
Sipping wine and having freshly baked cake at a vineyard in Launceston Tasmania. It was so beautiful and the wine was lovely.
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5. There are misconceptions or pressures regarding body image and dieting. How do you promote a positive and balanced approach to food and body image?
I always promote healthy eating whenever a conversation about food comes up. But at the same time, food should never be related to weight. Food should be related to health. There’s a big misunderstanding most people have and end up on dangerous diets that can have long-term damage. I always feel a well-fed person is the happiest and therefore beautiful. Big or small should never be the discussion when it comes to beauty. I hate having weight conversations or anything to do with physical appearance. Our bodies and our faces change, and everything should be acceptable.
6. Are there any specific dietary habits or rituals that you follow to help you feel your best, both physically and mentally?
Drinking a litre of lukewarm water first thing in the morning. Eating on time and having a colourful plate. Trying to not eat very late at night, though sometimes one can’t help it. But I try to eat by 8 or before. And no processed sugar! All natural or no sugar.
7. What advice would you give to others who may be struggling to find a healthy balance between enjoying food and maintaining their physical well-being?
Cheating once or twice a week with outside food or junk food or sweets is ok. Not every day. Eat home food whenever possible and exercise if you want to indulge in your cravings. Balance it out. Cardio and weight training are a must.
8. Are there any specific travel destinations on your bucket list, and if so, why are they appealing to you?
I’ve never been to South America. So I want to explore different countries there. Their culture, the people, food all sound very exotic to me. I also want to go on an Arctic expedition.
Rapid-Fire With Hasleen Kaur:
1. Best souvenir you’ve brought back from a trip? A beautiful Mandala painting from an artist in Goa
2. One must-have item in your travel bag? A jacket
3. Street food or fine dining? Street food
4. Solo travel or with companions? Both
Cover image credits: Instagram/Hasleen Kaur