“At Sentosa, Everyone Gets To Do What They Want And Yet Be Together”

TAMANNAAH BHATIA is currently working on projects in four languages— Hindi, Malyalam, Tamil and Telugu. In a candid chat with Simrran Gill, the actor talks about her experience in Sentosa, why it is perfect for families, and recounts fond memories from her family holidays. You call yourself an intuitive actor? Can you take us through your artistic process?

It’s important for me to translate my director’s vision; I’ve always believed that films have been a director’s medium, at least feature films. And I try going on set with the most open mind, and the least amount of resistance.

What sort of a traveller are you?

I’m a lazy traveller, and I can’t travel solo. And when I want to go for a vacation, I make sure I go with people I really love and have fun with.

Initially, actors preferred working in one industry, but now there is a cross-industry approach. And you were one of the first to mark your presence across the industry. What are your thoughts on the same?

The idea of a pan-India actor is a lot stronger now, maybe because the men came into the picture. But if you see Sridevi, Jaya Prada, or Rekha ji, they were women who were always pan-India actors. Right now there’s a lot more attention on it because all of a sudden big numbers are being talked about. But all along, these women who’ve represented an Indian heroine, have always been a part of all industries.

How has your experience been at The Barracks Hotel Sentosa?

Oh, its been amazing! I love the rooms and their construction. There are quotes from different writers and historians on the wall, and small artefacts. The place is beautifully maintained, has an old-world charm, is pet-friendly, and I love the structure because there’s a lot of walking space. The experience here is private and warm and has a relaxing vibe to it.

One thing you love about family holidays? Any fond memories?

I think family holidays are fun, but they’re also tricky because not everybody wants to do the same thing. The beauty of my family is that there’s no pressure of confining to a certain pattern. And most of my family holidays also become massive shopping trips—everyone in my family loves retail therapy. So, we all end up exploring a place along with a lot of shopping [joints]. Personally, I also like to know how a local would chill in his/her city.

How was your experience of shooting at Sentosa? What are some of the experiences you personally recommend for families here?

I’ve been waiting to shoot the Travel+Leisure India and South Asia cover for a very long time. And I feel good that we’ve been able to translate the vision I had for this cover and I’m glad it was Sentosa in Singapore. It’s a beautiful place, people are sweet, and we’ve had a lot of comfort in terms of shooting. For families, there is Madame Tussauds Museum, Universal Studios, lovely beaches, and some cool cafes and restaurants, and a lot of adventure sports. I would love to return because I feel a family experience would be fun—everyone gets to do what they want and yet be together.

What’s next on the work front?

Lust Stories on Netflix, directed by Sujoy Ghosh and co-starring Vijay Verma is my next release. I also have a show with Amazon—Jee Karda—produced by Maddock, and another one on Hotstar, which is yet to be announced. As for films, I have my first Malayalam film, a Telugu film with Chiranjeevi sir, a Tamil film with Rajni sir, and another Tamil film in the pipeline.

The actor at Palawan Beach for the first shot. ON HER: Dress, H&M Innovation Collection; jacket, July Issue; earrings, H&M Innovation Collection; shoes, Prisca; all prices on request.