Celeb Travelogue: Palash Sen and His Fear of Hotel Mattresses

Okay! So I am guilty of growing up in the 90s. But believe me that had its perks. Knowing who Euphoria is, is one of them. For the 20-somethings and the uninitiated others, I am talking about perhaps the first Indian rock band ever! The distinctly mellifluous strains of Maaeri or the celebratory resonations of Dhoom Pichuck have transcended millions like me, bringing them closer to the essence all of us call Indian. So, you can only imagine how charged up I must have been when that meeting with Euphoria’s heart and soul, Dr Palash Sen, happened. Currently occupied preparing the launch of his next song Walk On, the one that he himself has directed the video for, this affable doctor-cum-rockstar reflects on life, India and what travel means to him. Presenting his many avatars…

The Traveller

What type of a traveller are you?

A reluctant traveller because now I mostly travel for work, concerts to be more specific. These music shows are typically scheduled on a weekend so that kind of eats in to my family time. Plus these concerts are back to back, so there is no room for sightseeing. But thankfully, I have the family trips when we all travel together once every year. Our complete parivaar, including my sister and sister-in-law with their side of the family, looks forward to this annual vacation.

Most of your music videos are stitched around travel. Why is that?

Travel teaches me to move on. There’s so much happening around us – both good and bad - it’s important that we take a moment to pause, think about why we are here and then work towards it.

If you could be transported to one place at one time, what would it be and why?

There is a little place called Vivekanda Rock in Kanyakumari that I am completely smitten with. It is a meditation point I went to as a kid and then recently again. The shaanti you get over there is unbelievable!

Favourite holiday so far

Witnessing the pyramids in Egypt was magical. I was in awe of their magnificence. Luckily, we were boarding at The Oberoi which was right in front of the pyramids. Imagine these mammoth structures were our first and last sights of the day! Did you know that our mythology is very similar to those of the Egyptians?

What is one of your guilty pleasures while travelling?

Using the steam room and sauna! It opens my nose and throat, so I am singing-ready. I am a no-fuss person when travelling. I may be in the most posh 7-star hotel but I would sleep on the ground. The soft mattresses give me a backache. My son makes fun of me for that!

The Family Man

What is your nickname and how did you get it?

I have been called Polly all my life. In fact, it was so even in my school records till I was 15. My father gave me that name after Polly Umrigar, his favourite Indian cricketer.

Your earliest travel memory 

Going from Jammu to Srinagar. My parents had a transferable job, so I was very conveniently parked with my nana and nani in Srinagar. My nana was the Chief Justice of High Court there. So, every summer we would take the bus to the winter administrative capital of Jammu. I used to sit right next to the driver and be mesmerized by the way he handled the gears.

Perfect holiday companion(s)

My kids and nephews - Kinshuk, Kyna, Kasutav, and Kartik respectively

Where next?

South America as that’s the only continent left to be explored. I would love to go see the World Cup with my football-crazed nephews but guess it’s a little late to book now.

Celebrity you would trade lives with for 30 days

I am pretty happy with my life and don’t want to live anyone else’s. I enjoy my occupation of a “Rock-Doc,” have a loving family and great kids. I couldn’t have asked for more.

You, unfortunately, have been condemned to die, but fortunately, you get to have any meal in the world before you go. What is your menu?

Anything my mom cooks

The Concerned Citizen

Most annoying trait of fellow travellers 

We Indians have a tendency to talk loudly and when that happens in a closed space like an airplane, it hurts! I hate when people behave badly with air hostesses. Also, what’s the matter with our railway platforms? They are so dirty. I wish we Indians become cleaner travellers.

Best foreign curse you know (one you picked up while travelling)?

The question falls invalid. I don’t cuss. In fact, I am infamous for that. But I so wish we Indians stopped cursing. My son is in UCLA and he says that kids there are so much better behaved.

What is the title of the movie about your life?

The Great Pretender! Are you surprised? Well, I am able to keep my smile intact in a scenario when the law and order in our country is going for a toss, my fellow citizens are becoming increasingly insecure and self-centered and the overall governance is undergoing a breakdown.

The Singer

Your music influence

Elvis Presley. My dad got me four gold records of his and I was hooked. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a professional singer one day.

Your first performance

…was in my early teens at school (St. Columba’s, Delhi) when I became a playback singer for Shahrukh Khan. He and I were part of this musical play called The Wizard Of Oz when SRK got a bad throat and I stepped in to do his part of the singing. We have been good friends ever since.

Artist or song on your iPod that you are most embarrassed about

I don’t own an iPod as I hardly listen to music. That said, every time I listen to a song of my own I feel this nudge that it could have been done better. May be that’s to do with my overtly self-critical nature. But I am not embarrassed about that.

The awesomest music you heard recently

It’s been a while since I heard some good desi numbers but I was blown away by Rabbi’s Bulla. Amit Trivedi’s compositions for Dev D are another favorite of mine.

Rapid Fire

The most overrated destination

The usual suspects like Shimla, Manali, Nainital and Mussoorie. Even religious destinations for that matter have become too congested. Pehle bhi log jaate the, lekin ab toh fashion ho gaya hai.

Best hidden-secret destination

Pondicherry. All those going to Goa and Kovalam are wasting their time.

Your favorite travel resource on the web

Of course, MakeMyTrip. It is a one stop for all my travel needs and is easy to use. Thank god the era of travel agents has ended because of you guys.

Best piece of travel advice

Always travel light

What do you hate most about holidays?

Getting up early to eat the complimentary breakfast

One song that forces you to travel each time you hear it

Listening to Musafir hoon yaaro makes me want to travel! I dedicate this song to my father who was the happiest traveller in the world. Being a doctor in the railways, he would get special travel privileges. That meant we could get our coach attached to any train we liked and voila, our summer holidays were sorted. I have seen all of India in trains.

Palash Sen’s passion for music made him a singer. Where does your dil take you?

On that note, I leave you to tell us the next celebrity you would like to read about!