Chitrangda Singh talks about finding mental calm in the mountains.

Chitrangda Singh, like many other performers, had resumed work at the start of 2021 and had even begun preparing her second production endeavor. She was placed in home isolation after testing positive for COVID-19 in February. The actress and producer, who also lost a young family member to coronavirus, adds, “By the time I recovered and was ready to come back to work, we were attacked by the second wave.” “I recall being riveted to the news stations throughout those months,” the actress continues. I felt terrible whenever I attempted to detach by watching movies or web series, so I went back to watching the news. My parents were frightened about me and would tell me not to watch the news.

Chitrangda chose to go to the highlands to cope with the difficult period. The actress and her family moved to Himachal Pradesh at the end of April to reside there for a while. “It wasn’t until I got to Himachal Pradesh that I realized how much viewing the news was impacting me,” Chitrangda says. It was very quiet and serene to be in the mountains, and it helped me emotionally. In times like these, I realized it’s critical to look after oneself, both psychologically and physically.”

“We stayed at a friend’s home from where we went trout fishing,” she says of her time in the gorgeous surroundings. We afterward slept in a cottage and ate meals prepared with freshly harvested veggies. I even attempted to make my own pasta.”

In the first week of May, the actress returned to Mumbai, only to travel to Kashmir with her entire family in June. She explains, “I’ve gone to Kashmir several times,” adding, “This time we stayed in Pahalgam.” I also visited Kangan, which is a lovely town. The visit to the Karan Mahal in Srinagar was the highlight of our vacation. The royal residence overlooks Dal Lake and is situated on a large plot of ground, and this was my first visit inside the palace. I was delighted to get the opportunity to meet Princess Chitrangada (laughs!).”

When you ask her about her gourmet adventures in Kashmir, she is quick to recall specifics of the customary 36-course feast. “It’s named Wazwan,” says the narrator. We knew we wouldn’t be able to complete all 36 courses, so we asked them to choose the best nine for us. Each meat preparation was unique and delicious. I couldn’t have survived without the Kahwa. “A well-known decorated officer there gave me the same war, a Kashmiri kettle used to brew, boil, and serve teas, as a memento,” adds the actress, who is now back in Mumbai for work. “While my family is still in Kashmir, I’m here to film an advertisement. They’ll be there till the end of the month, and I’m hoping they’ll remain.