Actor Aisha Sharma has come a long way. From gracing the pages of the coveted Kingfisher Calendar as a model to starring in the Hindi movie Satyameva Jayate, the fitness expert is all ready to enthral audiences once again. Post the release of Shining with the Sharmas, a series that reflects on the lives of sister-duo Neha and Aisha Sharma in an unfiltered manner, the multi-talented personality packed her bags and headed straight to Paris, France. In a conversation with Travel + Leisure India & South Asia, the travel enthusiast reveals her travel experiences in the European city, her favourite spots to visit, and more. By Ralan Kithan
Excerpts from the interview with Aisha Sharma:
T+L India: You’ve been exploring Paris. How has your experience been so far?
Aisha Sharma: The experience has been lovely. Just walking down streets in Paris feels like going to the movies or something!
T+L India: What is the most exciting thing about Paris?
Aisha Sharma: The most exciting thing about Paris for me is the culture. It’s so multicultural. There’s inspiration in every corner of the city. There’s so much history on the streets. Every work of architecture here has a story to tell.
T+L India: How did this Paris trip spring up?
Aisha Sharma: I have always wanted to visit Paris. I didn’t want to do it in a rush; I wanted to explore the city like a local with time in hand. I felt that now was the right time to do it.
T+L India: What were some of your favourites places in Paris?
Aisha Sharma: La Maison Rose; Bateaux Parisiens — I highly recommend this cruise that takes you around Paris; La Société at Saint-Germain des Prés, for the best escargots; and Location de Barques du Lac Daumesnil, a boat rental service. Even the bakeries are very good; you can’t beat the boulangeries of Paris! My favourite is La boulangerie du Chef Christophe Michalak.
T+L India: Shining with the Sharmas just released. Tell us more about the series.
Aisha Sharma: Shining with Sharmas is where Neha (Aisha’s sister) and I are raw, honest, unfiltered, and fun. The series originated as a result of the pandemic. People seemed to love our equation, how we were doing things together, and how we just went about our days. The makers thought it would be very interesting to give the audience a show on us.
T+L India: Is there a destination that has made an impact on your life?
Aisha Sharma: Yes, I think a lot of them have made an impact. Places change you forever if you allow them to. Paris has impacted me greatly and I think once I get back, I won’t be the same individual. That’s the beauty about travel—it fills you with inspiration and if you allow it, it will help you grow like never before.
T+L India: What are your must-have travel essentials?
Aisha Sharma: Never without sunscreen and skincare products. Perfume, because it’s so important to smell good. Travel adapter, my journal, credit card, and medicines.
T+L India: A place where you would love to shoot for a passion project?
Aisha Sharma: Tahiti. I have never been there though.
T+L India: What kind of traveller are you?
Aisha Sharma: I am very easygoing as a traveller. I like to explore the place like a local, not as a tourist. When visiting a place where they speak a different language from you, it’s nice to interact with them in their language and pick up a few phrases. I like to explore, slow down, and soak in as much as I can.
T+L India: A place you’d like to move to and why?
Aisha Sharma: I would love to move somewhere in countryside at some point in my life and enjoy the slow life.
T+L India: You have been travelling to a lot of places. How do you decide where to travel next? Is it spontaneous or pre-planned?
Aisha Sharma: A mix of both. I take trips when I need to feel inspired. Whenever I take a trip to the United States, it’s mostly pre-planned because I go there annually to see family who live there. For anywhere else in the world, I get away when I need to.
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