Everyone wants a share of Goa and why not? Goa has one of the most amazing vibes, and every time you want to escape from the hustle bustle of life, this coastal paradise is on just about everyone's must-visit list, especially that of the film fraternity.
And, what makes this land more accessible is that it’s just a 60-minute flight from Mumbai, another reason why many Bollywood celebrities even own homes here, in this little piece of heaven, called Goa.
MORE THAN PARTIES & BEACHES
Anasuya Sengupta, the first Indian actor to win the Best Actress award in the ‘Un Certain Regard’ category of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival for her lead role in the movie The Shameless, lives in Goa.
“Goa is so much more than parties and beaches. The Goan monsoons are another love affair. The Goan community is cognisant of me, being an outsider, and yet they are so warm and welcoming,” she said.
HOUSE WITH WARM HUGS
There is nothing like living in a 150-year-old colonial house. And, Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi and his wife, former VJ Maria Goretti, have a long history in Goa.
The Bollywood couple restored a 150-year-old colonial house in North Goa, and named it Casa Zen. The Instagram page of Casa Zen, mentions that ‘Casa Zen is a 150-year-old Portuguese home, that has been lovingly restored by Arshad Warsi & Maria Goretti, when you walk in, it feels like a warm hug.’
DEEP IN GOA’S HEART
Actor Nafisa Ali Sodhi, known for Bollywood films such as Yamla Pagla Deewana, Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster 3 and Major Saab, among others, shifted to Bardez in 2020, and has been involved in social awareness activities in the area.
GARDEN V/S SCREEN
Kalki Koechlin moved to Goa with her partner, Guy Hershberg, and daughter Sappho, because she believes that kids need to have a lot of outdoor activities where they can play in a garden, or outdoor spaces.
If not they get addicted to screen time, she believes.
TIME TO SLOW DOWN, TIME TO TAKE STOCK
“Why did I move to Goa? I get asked this a lot, I was a very hard core city girl! Me, Leave Mumbai? I would say ‘No way, eveerr’ but life really does a U-turn sometimes,” says actor Sameera Reddy.
She also posted this on her Instagram, and she shared her thoughts about the shift, and how it was a great decision: “I can’t tell you how grateful I am every day to be here. In a space which is not as fast paced as I thought my life should be... I also trusted the universe and it worked. Thank you, Goa. Only gratitude.”
So, the next time you see a celebrity in Goa, they may not necessarily be filming or holidaying here. For many of them, Goa is home.