Nithya Das recalls a lucky escape during Ladakh trip

Malayalam movie lovers still remember the pretty Nithya Das for her roles in films such as ‘Ee Parakkum Thalika’, ‘Balettan’, ‘Kunhikoonan’ and 'Kathavaseshan.' After a five-year interval, Nithya made a comeback recently through television and was welcomed warmly by the audience. Even years after her debut, Nithya looks charming, like an evergreen heroine.

Many people have been curious about how the actress has retained her looks even after marriage and birth of kids. Nithya has been busy caring for her husband and children all these years, but she has kept her love for travelling alive.

Fortunately for Nithya, her husband Arvind Singh Jamwal also likes to visit places. In fact, he is a bigger fan of travelling than the actress. Onmanorama catches up with the adventures of the family, which loves to tour the world.

When Nithya and Arvind set out on a trip, their daughter Naina Jamwal too would be keen join them. Later, after their son Jaman Singh Jamwal was born, the picture was complete. Each member of the family is a travel freak.

Travel dreams

Nithya says she wishes to visit all corners of India. “Though I have travelled to many places as part of film shooting, I have enjoyed trips after my wedding more. When a travel plan is suggested, everyone says Ok. We ensure that a trip takes place every two months, whatever tight schedule we have. The pleasure and relief offered by travelling are indescribable. A journey is the best medicine to make the mind free,” says the actress.

During their honeymoon, Nithya and Arvind visited several exotic places in India. “We went to Guwahati in Assam and travelled beyond. After flying to Rajasthan, we rented a car and moved all over the state. My favourite destination in North India is Jaisalmer, which is teeming with history, traditions and curious sights,” says the celebrity.

“Each country offers a different experience. I love learning more about the culture, cuisine and people of the country we visit,” she adds.

Adventure-loving dad and daughter

Most couples keep their travel plans in the freezer after kids are born, but Nithya and Arvind have beem different. “Interestingly, we travel more frequently after being blessed with our daughter. Naina is ready for a journey at any time. In fact, she loves adventure trips like her father. They also compel me to join them in such daring ventures,” explains Nithya.

The actress has travelled to many foreign destinations as part of her work. “But such trips for shooting were funded by sponsors. When our daughter expressed the wish to see Disneyworld, we ourselves arranged a trip to the United States. We visited many places there but the entire affair cost us around Rs 7 lakh. I was uneasy spending such a big amount for a single journey; however Naina was very happy enjoying the sights and experiences at Disneyworld. We also went to New York, Florida and Canada,” reveals Nithya.

Now, Arvind and Naina set out for trekking trips together, adds the actress.

India the favourite place

Even though Nithya has already visited numerous spots in India, she is eager to experience them again. “I now wish to go to Himachal Pradesh again,” she says.

“As Arvind’s house is in Kashmir, we are familiar with the entire place. Moreover, I love travelling while becoming aware of the culture, traditions and history of the destination. Moreover, it offers the chance to meet new people. It is travelling around the country that gives me most pleasure,” reveals Nithya.

A close call

Nithya has faced some hair-raising experiences also during her travels. One such incident took place during a trip to Ladakh. “I still remember that journey with a shiver. The route was via Kashmir and a bomb blast had taken place there, forcing the authorities to block vehicles. Later, traffic was allowed in convoys. The vehicles proceeded following instructions from the police. But when the block was removed, Arvind took a road that was different from what the police had suggested. He said that it was a shorter route. I was anxious as there were no other vehicles along the road,” says Nithya.

She continues, “On the way, we saw three men who asked for a lift and Arvind stopped the car without a thought and allowed them in. The men wanted to go to a nearby place. My fear aggravated as the men were total strangers. I wondered whether they were not terrorists and told Arvind that I would get down from the car if he doesn’t make the men leave the vehicle at the next spot. The reason for my fear was that we had to pass about 9 km through tunnels in the road ahead. If something untoward happens in the tunnel nobody would even learn about it.”

However, before reaching the tunnel, they saw some policemen near the road. “I asked Arvind to let the men get out of the car there. He did that after apologizing to the men. He also scolded me a lot,” says Nithya.

But a shock awaited them the next day. “We heard the news that terrorists had slit the necks of a couple near the same tunnel and stolen their car. I realized that we could have been the victims. Our lives were saved thanks to divine intervention,” recalls Nithya.

Son’s love for travel

Nithya’s son was born nine years after her daughter. “I went on trips before and after his birth even when others reprimanded me. Maybe that has made my son too a travel freak. We went to Coorg barely 30 days after he arrived. But I did not think that any risk was involved. Earlier, when I was in the eighth month of pregnancy, we travelled to Ooty,” elaborates the actress. The family, in fact, often visits Ooty to enjoy the cool weather.

“We plan to go to several new destinations. Now I am in Bhutan with children - travelling has become a part of our lives,” concludes Nithya.