Bollywood's love affair with Goa

Whenever one thinks of Kashmir, the first saying that comes to your mind is that of, 'If there is a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.' But when anyone thinks of Goa, the first saying that comes to mind is…actually nothing! One does not waste time in thinking of sayings and slogans. All that one does is 'Break-Free' from all the daily stress and humdrums. Ever wondered how the B-town celebs perceive Goa as? Well read on and feel refreshed!

Esha Deol (actress): "Since I'm a total beach bum, Goa is one of the best spots India has to offer me. Lately however it's become too commercialized and not so safe. But I'll always have fond memories of my Goan holidays."

Pooja Bedi (TV host, socialite) : "I go to Goa at least 3-4 times a year. I love the spirit of openness and the fact that I can frolic on the beaches in a bikini with my kids without being harassed. I love the water sports, the restaurants, and international feel."

Sonu Sood (actor): "Yes Goa is my favourite holiday spot. I go there every year. I think it's the liveliest place in the world. Everyone is in the party mode. You forget all your worries. Also, after having shot two films there I can swear there can be no better place to shoot."

Chitrangda Singh (actress): "Goa is the Indian Europe. Great energy and feel!"

Raima Sen (actress): "I love Goa. I go at least 4 times a year. I love the seafood, beaches and shacks. I love the chilled-out life there. And the friendly vibes of the place. I can comfortably let my hair down."

Minissha Lamba (actress): "Goa is among the most easily accessible holiday spots, and one of those places where the beaches are 'swimmable'."

Arbaaz Khan (actor): "Goa is definitely my favourite holiday spot. It's chilled out, not much hustle-bustle... I love the place, people, food, and eating-places. Being close to Mumbai it's an ideal vacation spot."

Tusshar Kapoor (actor): "I've only been to Goa for shootings. I love the place. The ambience is excellent...I love the water and the warmth of the people. It's the ultimate place to go to get out of the rat race."

Imtiaz Ali (director): "Hey Goa is big in my life. I go there very often, but still not as often as I'd like. I'd like to live the life of a hippy or a nomad on one of the beaches there. I'd like to just travel around the beaches and villages. Life is not possible for me without Goa. It takes the traffic and the noise out of my blood system."

Rohit Roy (TV and film actor): "Goa has been my favourite Indian holiday destination from the time I was in college. My affair with Goa started as a fling and now it's a full-fledged romance. Earlier I'd go with a bunch of friends. But now it's become a hotspot for family holidays. My wife Manasi and baby girl Kiara are as much beach persons as I am! We go to Goa once or twice a year. I absolutely adore the place's chilled-out pace. It's a great destresser after Mumbai which leaves me breathless. I love Goan food, prawn curry, and rice being my favorite. Oh I love everything about Goa!"

Arshad Warsi (actor): "I love Goa. The place slows me down. I go there as often as I can."

Aryan Vaid (actor): "To be honest Goa isn't a favourite holiday spot. It's a beautiful place. But it doesn't do magic for me. Maybe because I live right across the beach in Mumbai. I prefer cool mountain places. Haven't been to Goa for two years. The drug scene in Goa is scary. I was once shooting in Goa and some locals misbehaved with our actresses."

Sammir Dattani (actor): "Since I am total water person Goa is THE place for me. At least twice a year I take off with a bunch of friends. We never get out of the water."

Amrita Arora (actress): "Though I like Goa my favourite holiday spot is London. I go at least twice a year. I love the vibe, the shopping and weather."

Iqbal Khan (TV actor): "I've never been to Goa for a holiday. It's always been work. I think it's an over-hyped place. Besides I prefer hills to beaches."

Niharika Singh (model, actress): "I like Goa. But it isn't my favourite holiday spot. Yes, I've been to Goa. But I'm not one of those who makes it a point to go there every year religiously. I love the seafood and flea markets in Goa."

Priyanka (Nisha) Kothari (actress): "Ya Goa is cool. I like everything about it. Though I usually travel wherever my work takes me, I don't mind going to Goa just so."

Tanushree Dutta (actress): "Goa is a favourite holiday spot. I manage to go twice a year. What I like best are the little shacks by the beaches and the old-world charm about the place."

Malaika Arora (VJ, actress): "I don't think there's any better place to holiday than Goa. I love it! My husband Arbaaz and I always dreamt of owning a home there. And now our dream is coming true."

Koena Mitra (actress): "Goa is one of my favourite holiday spots. You just can't get bored of Goa. I'm a beach girl and I love Goan seafood. I also love their music and their parties are high-energy. Winter is the right time to go to Goa."