Naman Shaw: Mumbai rains make me slow down and enjoy the little things

Actor Naman Shaw, who was last seen as Adit Saxena in Mangal Lakshmi, says the monsoon has always been his favourite season, bringing back childhood memories and offering moments of calm amid a busy life.Recalling his early years in Kolkata, Naman says some of his fondest memories are tied to the rains. “We lived on the third floor, and whenever our lane filled with rainwater, my cousins and I would make paper boats and drop them from the balcony. We would cheer as they floated away and wait to see whose boat reached the end first. Those moments are still very special to me.”Now based in Mumbai, he says the city’s monsoon has its own charm.

“Whenever I’m not shooting, I love sitting by the French window at home. My house is surrounded by trees, and the view during the rains is beautiful. A hot cup of chai with crispy bhajiyas makes it the perfect evening.”While rain sequences often appear romantic on screen, Naman says filming them is far from easy. “The idea of shooting in the rain is exciting, and the first few hours are always fun. But after that, it becomes physically challenging.

Your hair and makeup get ruined, rainwater gets into your mouth while delivering dialogues, and maintaining continuity becomes difficult. It looks magical on screen, but there’s a lot of hard work behind it.

”When it comes to rain songs, Naman picks an unconventional favourite. “It’s not exactly my favourite rain song, but if I had to perform one in front of the mirror, it would be Dekho Baarish Ho Rahi Hai just because I enjoy mimicking Anu Malik. It always makes me laugh.”