I love New York-ology: Shazahn Padamsee

If there is one city on the planet that is close to actor Shazahn Padamsee’s heart, it’s New York, also known as the Big Apple. “I first went there when I was about eight years old. I also have family there so we end up going to the city every few years, and every time it’s more fun,” she grins. The last one was a father-daughter trip. “We planned it a couple of months ago. Dad (Alyque) and I were loking forward to going,” she says.

Girl about town
They stayed at a plush hotel in Soho. “It’s the alternative side of New York, not chaotic and can be fun. There is a lot of focus on art and culture here,” she says.

She also liked the fact that it is a cosmopolitan place. “Much like Mumbai,” reveals Shazahn, adding, “very busy and filled with interesting people from all over.”
Getting about town was easy. “While the subway is an affordable mode of transport, a cab is also an easy way to move around,” says Shazahn. The locals appeared very friendly too. “A lot of people mistook me for being either Spanish or Iranian and couldn’t believe I was Indian,” she laughs. She made a few trips to the Empire State Building and  to a few of NY’s famous districts. “Some of them are  very laid-back and different from the main area,”she says.

Times Square is one of her favourite places. “It’s super-bustling!” exclaims Shazahn. “All you need to do is just walk around and feel the vibe that it has with its signs, billboards and people!” 

Cultural high
With dad Alyque she enjoyed watching plays. “The off  Broadway plays were the best. I saw a fantastic play called Fuerza Bruta which was amazing. The act takes place above your head with actors dressed as flying fairies and fish underwater. I also had the opportunity to watch the Cirque du Soleil - both of which were out-of-this-world experiences. In addition, we visited the Chelsea Hotel where there was a beautiful painting done by my uncle Akbar Padamsee (the artist) a long time ago,” she says

Food and shopping
New York brought out the foodie in her. “There’s such a variety in the food here and I was tempted to try all types of cuisines. I relished the Thai fare and tried Japanese too! I also had my fill of pizza at Lombardi’s and enjoyed the pastas too. I have to say though that I missed my Indian food after a while as nothing compares to our masalas,” adds Shazahn.

They returned with lots of pictures. “I picked up a crazy wig too but no souvenirs as I’m not into buying them. Instead of a keepsake, I’d rather just go visiting there soon, I love New York-ology, which is what my cousins say about the ambience here. It’s the perfect equation for a holiday,” she ends.