Soniya Bansal Opens Up About Monsoon Memories, Comfort Food and Favourite Rainy-Day Escape

Her idea of a perfect rainy day doesn't involve much running around. It starts with a hot cup of chai by the window, watching the rain come down. From there, it's books, a comfort movie, some soft music and time with family. When the downpour eases up a bit, she likes to take a drive — Mumbai, she says, transforms into something beautiful once the monsoon sets in.

Music plays its part too. "Tum Se Hi" from Jab We Met remains her go-to monsoon track, one she says has aged well and still captures the romance of the season perfectly. She notes that the song instantly sets the mood every time it plays.

Food, unsurprisingly, is where she lights up the most. Hot pakoras paired with masala chai top her list of monsoon indulgences, along with roasted corn dusted with lemon and spices — a flavour combination she associates with long evening drives.

When asked about her dream monsoon getaway, Bansal didn't hesitate: Lonavala. The rolling green hills, waterfalls and misty valleys make it, in her words, the ideal place to unwind. She says nature is at its best there during the rains, and she always leaves feeling recharged.

For Bansal, the monsoon isn't just a season on the calendar — it's tied to memory, comfort and a sense of slowing down that she clearly cherishes.