I would want to buy a nice villa here someday: Isha Koppikar

Isha Koppikar recently spent time in Goa, and as with every visit, the trip was as much about devotion as it was about downtime. Rooted in family tradition, the actress says visiting her Kul Devis remains non-negotiable whenever she is in the state.

“I always visit the temples whenever I come to Goa. My parents used to take me when I was a kid, and I have continued that practice,” she says. 'I prefer staying in a property that is close to the sea' Beyond the spiritual pull, Goa’s easy charm continues to win her over — especially its food and coastal lifestyle. She says, “I love visiting all the restaurants. I prefer staying in a property that is close to the sea because I love the sea.

I would want to buy a nice villa eventually and do some work which keeps me in Goa for some months and some in Mumbai.” No Goa trip is complete without a stroll through the Anjuna flea market, one of her favourite haunts. “If you’re lucky, you find very quaint things. I’ve found beautiful earrings and rings that I wear all the time. They have such nice designs,” she says. 'There is a variety of content and a lot of experimenting that happens' On the work front, Isha reflects on how the entertainment landscape has evolved in the OTT era.

“Now there is a lot of work in terms of OTT. There is a variety of content and a lot of experimenting that happens. I think there is enough room and place for actors now,” she observes. Drawing a vivid comparison, she adds, “I think the directors and actors of the ’90s — it’s like getting back into the same old building with different rules, colours, and new gatekeepers.

” She is candid about the realities of sustaining a career, particularly after taking a break.

“Any industry, any kind of work is not easy initially. Especially after the sabbatical that I have taken. You’ve got to keep proving yourself at every step,” she says. 'Earlier, people would be connected only because of the films you worked in' Isha also acknowledges the growing influence of digital platforms. “Because of social media now, visibility is equivalent to opportunities. There’s a direct connect with the audience. You can showcase your work, your personality, everything directly to your fans even if you are not directly doing any film,” says the actress. “Earlier, people would be connected only because of the films you worked in. But now, even if you’ve not worked for years, if you’re creating some interesting content, people are connected,” she adds.