Jasmin Bhasin is among the most popular names in the silver screen industry and is currently in the limelight for her music videos, fashion sense, and upcoming Bollywood debut. In conversation with Travel + Leisure India & South Asia, Bhasin shares how travel helps her essay different characters on screen and lets us in on some of her favourite shopping and culinary destinations around the globe. By Srushti Kulkarni
T+L India: What or who influenced you to pursue a career in acting?
Jasmin Bhasin: I had always wanted to pursue a career in the hospitality sector and had started off with ITC and Taj group. While I was working there, a British photographer, a guest in the hotel, requested me to be a part of a photo shoot. I was taken aback but agreed as it was an extra income for me. Later on, I realised it was a campaign for Nokia and my pictures on the posters were everywhere! I received more modelling opportunities due to the campaign and began enjoying it thoroughly. Although I wanted to make a career in hospitality, there were days when I found an excuse to skip work simply because I needed a break. However, that was not the case with modelling, I would always be extremely enthusiastic to fulfil my assignments.
T+L India: You will be making your Bollywood debut with Honeymoon this October, tell us more about the film and the role you will be playing in it?
Jasmin Bhasin: The film is absolutely amazing! It is produced by T-Series & Baweja Studios. Honeymoon is a family drama infused with rib-tickling comedy and a beautiful message. The script is perfect and we have really given it our all. The movie has an apt balance of family drama, social message and comedy. I play a sweet, simple and innocent Punjabi village girl. The audience will have to watch out for a superb film coming their way and I am extremely confident that they will love it!
T+L India: You are born and brought up in Rajasthan, a royal tourist hotspot. What were your favourite go-to spots in your hometown while growing up?
Jasmin Bhasin: My favourite spot in Kota is the Chambal Garden and the river that flows through it. We used to often go camping by that river when I was young. I have also lived in Jaipur for a while and enjoyed visiting the Nahargarh Fort, City Palace, and Jai Mahal to soak in the culture and heritage. Fort visits were my absolute favourite!
T+L India: How does travel inspire you as an artist?
Jasmin Bhasin: As an artist, one needs the inspiration to work harder. For me, that inspiration is travel. I have essayed several roles in the past such as a Gujarati, Punjabi and South Indian girl and my travels have surely inspired those characters. I love how travel associates people from the places I visit. I love exploring, and learning more about their local dialect and how their body language changes when they speak. I try to make mental notes when speaking to people and later on apply them when I essay different characters on screen.
T+L India: You recently went on a trip to Ladakh. What did you enjoy the most there?
Jasmin Bhasin: My vacation in Ladakh was surreal. The scenic beauty, tranquillity and fresh air were rejuvenating. The places I visited were not overpopulated like the urban jungles are. The State Government has preserved and carefully nurtured their culture, heritage and landscapes. Another thing that I adore about Ladakh is its food! Their spices were out of this world and each bite was a burst of flavours.
T+L India: What are the must-visit places in London that you would recommend?
Jasmin Bhasin: I am an out and out shopaholic! My personal favourites for brand outlet malls are Central London, Selfridges, Lafayette and Bicester Village. My second love is food! There are a couple of hidden gems (restaurants and cafes) on Carnaby Street in London. The Indian restaurant at the Taj in London is one of my personal favourites, it is a must-visit.
T+L India: London is one of the fashion capitals of the world and you happen to be a fashionista. Are there any shopping destinations in London that you would want to go back to?
Jasmin Bhasin: I always enjoy going to Selfridges for the much-needed retail therapy. It’s a shopper’s paradise and there have been a few times when I have maxed out both my credit cards because there is nothing that I don’t love.
T+L India: Your job takes to you to several destinations across the globe, how does it feel to be filming in such exotic locations?
Jasmin Bhasin: It feels great! I love travelling, meeting new people and talking to them. It’s exciting to visit exotic new places and I thrive on that. My favourite city is London. One gets to meet many people from different nationalities and the city’s diversity has a different vibe to it. In my profession, I travel to different locations and land up meeting many people. Travelling inspires me and makes me work better, which is required in a profession like mine where one has to essay different characters.
T+L India: A travel experience that has had a lasting impact on you?
Jasmin Bhasin: Argentina has definitely had an impact on me professionally and personally. In 2018, I was shooting for Khatron Ke Khiladi in Argentina for nearly 2 months and the show helped me become a different person. I became so confident, daring and had a new attitude and perspective on life.
T+L India: Name a place where you felt the most connected.
Jasmin Bhasin: Dubai makes me feel like I am at home. I feel connected and comfortable. I recently shot a music video In Dubai and it was a superb experience as it is very approachable and convenient. I also have quite a few friends there so it definitely feels like a home away from home to me. It definitely is a one-stop destination for shopping, food and culture.
T+L India: Which luxury destinations are on your bucket list?
Jasmin Bhasin: I have quite a few places on my bucket list but on the top is Iceland and Antarctica. I know they are not luxury destinations but these are the places that intrigue me and I can’t wait to visit them. I am travelling to Spain and Paris in July for my birthday and the trip is supposed to be luxurious and relaxing. I like to treat myself often!
T+L India: What are some destinations you wish to film at?
Jasmin Bhasin: I would like to visit Iceland soon because of several reasons, mainly for its tranquillity and scenic beauty. It would be an icing on the cake if I get to shoot a project over there, I would explore the place thoroughly and learn a lot too.
T+L India: A holiday destination that you keep going back to?
Jasmin Bhasin: Dubai and Maldives are hands down my favourite destinations in addition to London. It takes a short flight to reach Dubai and Maldives which is perfect for me because I don’t like long hauls. Whenever I have some time off work, I hop onto a flight to either of these places and relax, refresh and rejuvenate!
Related: Going Places With People: Nimrat Kaur On Her Memorable Trips, Adventures & Bucket-List Destinations
