Harpal Singh Sokhi, currently seen on the show Laughter Chefs, has a deep appreciation for his own company and cherishes moments of solitude. Despite a life filled with bustling kitchens, crowded events, and constant public appearances, he has learned to seek stillness not as an escape but as a necessity. Through this practice, he has come to understand why more people, especially the younger generation, are choosing to do things on their own terms.
The Growing Trend of Solo Experiences
Discussing the rising trend of solo activities, Chef Harpal remarked, "People prefer traveling solo, and even isolation is something I prefer. I can have my own space and thoughts. I think this mindset is quite common among Gen Z. They tend to live more freely, without carrying baggage. They can travel wherever they want, without hesitation or having to wait for someone else to join them."
This perspective is not merely an observation for Chef Harpal; he has lived it himself. He shared, "I was told by someone that if anyone can watch a film alone, that means they can do anything alone in life. So, that was some philosophy that I used to follow earlier. When I used to work in restaurants in Colaba, we would go down to the cinema halls to watch a film alone."
Judgment-Free Solitude
Beyond personal philosophy, Chef Harpal is adamant that society should not make people feel small for choosing their own company. He stated, "People shouldn't judge someone for traveling alone. There's nothing wrong with spending time by yourself—whether it's sitting alone on a park bench, relaxing in a garden, enjoying a cup of tea in the mountains, sitting by a river, or watching the waves on a beach. Doing things on your own can be peaceful, meaningful, and a great way to connect with yourself."
For Chef Harpal, solitude is also where real thinking happens. He explained, "Spending time alone can be helpful at times. It gives you a chance to step away from daily responsibilities, disconnect from the noise around you, and focus on yourself for a while. It helps you to make a person stay calm and learn the habit of staying calm."
Protecting Calm Amidst Chaos
As someone constantly surrounded by people the moment he steps out, that calm has become something he actively protects. He said, "When I travel for work, I keep meeting people. Every step that you take outside, people want to click pictures; people want to come and talk to you. So, isolation and staying aloof helps, and that gives you some quality time for yourself to think."
There are times, he admits, when he simply does not step out at all. He shared, "Sometimes I stay inside a hotel room, quietly, lazing out and not doing anything. Not even checking my emails or anything. I'm simply lying in bed, giving my body the time it needs to heal and allowing my mind to take a break from the constant rush and chaos of everyday life."
Strength in Solitude
At the heart of all this is something he believes quite firmly: that being comfortable alone is not loneliness; it is strength. Chef Harpal concluded, "Being comfortable in your own company makes you a better person. It brings the calm within you; it helps you to concentrate on thoughts and makes you aware of what is right and what is wrong for you. It brings in a lot of confidence. You learn not to rush into things. You stay firm in your beliefs."
