Talking Tours (3) - Gaurav Anand

In the 3rd installment of Talking Tours, I met Gaurav Anand, from Dehradun who wholeheartedly agrees to give us an interview. Gaurav is an avid traveler who wants to live life to the fullest. During interview, he discussed everything in detail and made me understand his point of view on different topics. It's good to know thoughts of different people - what they think on various topics, what keeps them ticking. May be there is a learning for us somewhere in these thoughts.

Talking Tour is a series of personal interviews about those who does posses thoughts of their own. By interacting with different people and to know their thoughts, gives me a good feeling. Every one has a story to tell. Each one of us, has some attributes which are unique some times and common most often.

Tell our readers something about yourself.
Fun loving, a traveler by heart who wants to explore world.  I love to experience and experiment new things  - be it new trend, new place, food or anything.

What is in your personality which you like the most?
My confidence & self belief


What is in your personality which you dislike?
Sometime I find it difficult to say NO even though my heart/mind wants to say NO.


What are the qualities in a man which you like?
I like those, who not only wants to enjoy each day, but also each and every moment of life.


What are the qualities in a woman which you like?
Determination & Self Respect


What places you have traveled so far? What is your favorite place & why?
I am a big time traveler. I have been to many places in India & abroad.  My list is long, however I might have missed few places in this list. Hope you also like that:

In North I have visited - Jammu, Kashmir valley, Pehlgaon, Mussorrie, Nainital, Dharamshala, Jamta, Chail, Chandigarh, .

Central India - Agra, Bhopal, Panchmari

Northeast - Gangtok, Darjeeling, Peiling, Kalinpong

Southwest Part - Munnar, Thekri, Allepy, Kovalam, Mumbai, Lonavala, Goa

Western India - Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur, Pushkar

Abroad - I have visited Singapore, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Pataya, Krabi

Religious Places: Haridwar, Mathura, Rishikesh, Chintpoorni Devi, Naina Devi, Jwala ji, Shirdi, Vaishno Devi

My favorite picks:
In India, I would like to visit Munnar again because of the breathtakingly beautiful locations there. It's a haven of peace and tranquility - the idyllic tourist destination. A must visit place in India.

Abroad, I like Krabi. Very neat and clean beaches, awesome weather, coastal cuisines & not to forget - Water Sports.


Which place you have traveled recently and how was the experience?
I visited Rajasthan very recently and there we have gone to places like Jaisalmer, Jodhpur etc.

Experience was great. Can't forget the sunset point at Jaisalmer, forts in Udaipur and lot of other things to appreciate for.


Can you name some of your favorite hangout places in the city you live in?
Delhi Heights café & Golas in Gurgaon.


Are you a foody? Which food you liked the most?
Yes I am.
Punjabi by nature, however I am more fond of Rajma Chawal, Chinese, continental, Mughlai cuisines.


Tell us something about your hobbies?
In spare time, I watch TV. Other hobbies include, travel, exploring new places


If not in your current role, what would you want to be?
Would have been visual merchandiser OR Wine Taster, Food Reviewer, Movie critic.


How you cope up pressure situation?
I don’t take pressure much. I just take life as it comes. When in pressure situation, I tell myself, whatever is in my destiny I will get. So no need to crib on something, but always give your best shot.


What is your mantra of life?
God has given us only one life. Enjoy each day & live every moment. I like the song from old Golmal movie - "Aaaney wala kal jaane wala hai, ho sake to ismein jindagi bita do, pal ye jo jaane wala hai"


How you start your day?
Not a morning person, my morning starts a little late around 9 am. Well I look at my daughters face & thank god for everything.


Who is your reel life hero/heroines?
Anil Kapoor - He doesn't look like someone in mid 50s. He still looks young. His energy and enthusiasm to do things differently (like recent TV show - 24 series) is something to appreciate.

Next in line is Kirron Kher. I admire her for her persona, self-confidence. She entered quite late in movies but she made her mark in no time.


Which character in history (or current life) inspire you the most?
Yes, I want to mention a friend of mine (Neeraj Tiwari) whom I really admire.  Whatever he has done in his life, he has done himself. I regard him for his hard work, his dedication, his enthusiasm and his zeal to achieve something in life.


Your favorite movies/shows?
TV Shows - BIG Boss, India's got Talent, Sara Bhai Vs. Sara Bhai, Two & Half men
Movies - No entry, Devdas, 3 idiots, 2 States


What do you think are the biggest areas for improvement in our country?
It's high time that we need to change our thinking. Whatever we have learnt as part of our education, we need to apply the same in our thinking. Fact of the matter is, we should be broad minded - open to adopt new thinking, give respect to women, have civic sense. All these things we have learnt in our school/college days, but are we applying it our daily life? This is where we need to put more emphasis. Apply our education into our lifestyle and thus help in making India a developed nation.


Do you cast your vote every time?
Ashamed to say don't have Voter ID. I take an oath that I will definitely vote next time.


Anything which you want to share with readers who read this interview?
Be happy, live tension free enjoy each moment of life. You never know.....'Kal ho na ho'. What ever you want to do, do today.

Thank you Gaurav for sparing some time for this interview. We wish you a Great New Year 2015.