Bollywood actress Urmila Matondkar recently carved out a brief but meaningful escape from her hectic Mumbai life to unwind in the serene surroundings of Goa. For the star, this coastal state represents far more than a typical holiday spot; it's a place of deep personal resonance and spiritual rejuvenation.
A Home Away From Home
Urmila Matondkar's bond with Goa is profoundly personal, rooted in her family history. She revealed, "I am from Konkan, the other side of Goa, in Sawantwadi, after the Amboli Ghat, is where my native place is. So Goa actually feels like a second home." This connection runs so deep that the actress harbors a dream of building her own house in the state, making her link to this land permanent.
Her trips, though frequent, are often short. "Whenever I feel like it, I just make a quick trip, stay in Goa for 2 to 3 days, and then return to Mumbai," she explains. She describes the destination as a sanctuary where one can feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and truly connected with their soul.
Exploring Goa Beyond the Beaches
While acknowledging the pristine beaches that remain a top draw for visitors, Urmila feels there is much more to discover in Goa. She expressed a slight regret that her brief stays don't allow for extensive exploration of the state's diverse offerings.
"My stay is usually not long enough to explore Goa, which I feel has much more to offer than its beaches," she stated. "There are some lovely sanctuaries, parks, rivers, and many other spots." The actress also made a heartfelt plea for the conservation of these natural treasures, hoping that both residents and tourists would take greater care to preserve the beauty of the beaches.
A Culinary and Cinematic Love Affair
Urmila's passion for Goa extends to its cuisine, which aligns perfectly with her dietary preferences. As a pescatarian, she finds the local food to be an ideal match. "Goan food is like my regular staple food, which is fish curry, rice, and coconut in everything," she shared. Among her favourite dishes are poie, which she enjoys with eggs, and the flavourful prawn balchao.
Her connection to Goa is also etched in her cinematic legacy. One memory stands out vividly from her extensive film career. "The memory closest to my heart of Goa is from Rangeela because we shot the songs here on the beaches," she reminisced, specifically recalling the iconic song 'Tanha Tanha'. She affirmed that Goa will always hold a special place in her heart as a film location.
Such is her enthusiasm for the region that Urmila Matondkar jokingly yet earnestly proposed, "I think I should be made Goa's goodwill ambassador! I can offer a few good tips to further develop tourism and celebrate Goa to its fullest." Her brief escapes to Goa are not just holidays, but a return to a place that feels intrinsically like her own.
