Kavita Kaushik is back in Goa, her happy place, and the return feels as natural as breathing for someone whose bond with the state goes far beyond holidays. Recently sharing a sun-soaked picture from Goa with the caption “When in doubt, head to Goa,” the actress reiterated that the place continued to be her go-to destination whenever life called for a pause.

In a chat with Goa Times, Kavita said, “It's not just in my case; I think anyone who’s been to Goa wants to go back again and again. You can never get enough of Goa. It’s the capital of rejuvenation, the capital of vacation. Anytime I want to be in the sun, eat shack food and just slow down, I head to Goa.”

The F.I.R actress had lived in Goa for four years before moving to Lonavala last year, a decision she describes as purely practical. “The only reason we shifted to Lonavala was the extreme heat and humidity. We have a beauty brand where everything is made from natural herbs, flowers and leaves. In that heat, my potions would often get spoiled. Lonavala is much more suitable for my ingredients. Even I couldn't deal with the heat, so for my health and business, we took that decision,” she explained. Despite relocating, the emotional connect with Goa remains unshaken. “I miss living here. That’s why I keep returning whenever I get the opportunity,” she said.

Looking back at her years in Goa, she says it’s the people, more than the place, that made it home. “Everyone in the colony — the people in the neighbouring bungalows — are friends for life now. Even the staff who worked with me, both at home and at our small karkhana office, became family. We’re still in touch, and they keep calling me back.”

She added, “The love Goans give me, such sweetness, such warmth...I will cherish it forever. We celebrated all festivals together. They would come for Ganpati, stand through the aarti even if they didn’t understand it. During Durga Puja, the women would come and do sindoor khela with me. That sisterhood, especially among women, was very special.”

She recalls a defining moment that cemented her faith in that bond. “I was shooting for Carry On Jatta 3 in London when my husband fell seriously ill. I called the women from my colony and told them, ‘I don’t know how, but you have to help him.’ They took complete charge — sending meals, coordinating doctors, looking after him. I was able to stay calm because my Goan friends were there.”