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Dressed in a white, silk saree, with beautiful pink roses and a pearl necklace around her neck, actor Ira Dubey looked elegant as ever as she hosted the two-day Malhar and the Sea musical event at a starred hotel in South Goa.
But for Ira, Goa is not just events, it also about a good meal, a peaceful swim and live music. “When I come to Goa, all I do is swim, eat, sleep, disconnect, drink and enjoy the Goan warmth and culture.”
Goa has always been Ira’s family holiday destination complete with fond memories. “My father was a hotelier and we were here in Goa every summer. It was a family destination spot while we were growing up for the four of us – my sister Neha Dubey and my mother Lillete Dubey, my father Ravi Dubey and me. We used to come to Goa and spend around two weeks, which was filled with memories and mischief,” says Ira, who plays Alia Bhatt's best friend in the film Dear Zindagi.
She adds, “My childhood memories were not just long walks on the beach and spending time in the water, but also getting bitten by red ants and being very naughty. I remember recording songs on cassette players after several drinks,” she smiles as she talks of being mischievous as a kid.
Goa is slowly, but hopefully not, becoming like any other city. But that is not the Goa I would love and cherish
Ira Dubey
ROOM FOR EVERYONE
A trip to Goa can be with your family, or your significant other and that is what Ira loves. “The best thing about Goa is that you can come here with your family, your friends, your spouse, it doesn’t matter. Every time you come to Goa there is something that you can take home with you,” says Ira who was seen in the film The Daughter starring Naseeruddin Shah.
Talking about restaurants and cafes in Goa, she says that it breaks her heart to pinpoint anyone as she loves to explore local gems. “Goa is slowly, but hopefully not, becoming like any other city. But that is not the Goa I would love and cherish. We hope that nothing ever touches that. I still crave for the simple Goan authentic cuisine,” she says.
LIVE MUSIC IN GOA
Coming from a family of theatre aficionados her cravings for live music are fulfilled in Goa, through events and shows. “Live music is a very important aspect of Goa’s art and culture. Even in a city like Mumbai I miss it. There are two things in Mumbai that make me wonder – we live on the sea, but we never swim there, and there are so many cultures and artists, and yet very little live music. So when I come to Goa I crave the beach and live music.”
GANPATI BAPPA MORYA
Just like many others, Ira loves celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi and connecting with God. Though she devours the food served and modaks, she also likes the peace. “I used to love to visit the pandals and the visarjan during Ganesh Chaturthi, but now I like to stay indoors and celebrate as it gets a bit chaotic during Chaturthi,” she signs out as she says, Ganpati Bappa Morya.