OT: What is your idea of the perfect holiday?

Arjun Rampal: Any period of time that leaves behind memories and when I can put my feet up and relax is the perfect vacation. I love travelling. So much so, that when I was a child, I wanted to join either the army or the merchant navy only because I thought one could travel the most in these two professions.

OT: Which are your favourite holiday destinations?

Arjun Rampal: London, New York and Paris are my all-time favourite destinations — the sort of places you can head to without giving it a second thought. I like London and New York for their cosmopolitan character and Paris because, despite being modern, it is steeped in heritage and has such a strong identity. Thailand is also a chilled out and laid-back vacation spot. I am also beginning to get drawn to the Mediterranean now.

OT: Do you collect souvenirs?

Arjun Rampal: I am a big sunglass junkie! My family and friends think it is a disease. I just cannot help buying sunglasses wherever I go. If [wife] Mehr gives away even one of my many, many pairs of sunglasses, I notice. Of course, that doesn’t stop her trying!

OT: What do you like most about a holiday?

Arjun Rampal: That I can wear track pants and T-shirts, and lounge around with my family. Also the fact that I can be with three women at one time — my daughters and wife — and they all vie for my attention.

OT: The one thing you don’t like about holidays...

Arjun Rampal: Definitely the airports! They are crowded, chaotic and there is too much hassle — security, immigration, checks — I wish this was not a part of vacations. There was this one time when I got mobbed by fans at Heathrow... I know it is a way of expressing love, but I just can’t handle it. I get claustrophobic. Also — this is quite silly — but I hate the fact that holidays have an end date!

OT: Which destinations are on your wishlist?

Arjun Rampal: I want to explore more of Europe and the Mediterranean. After spending time at Cannes, I want a really long holiday in France and then go off to Italy — spend at least a month at both places and come back 10 kilos heavier!

OT: What do you always pack for a holiday?

Arjun Rampal: Mehr takes care of my packing mostly. But I do ensure that I pack a lot of deodorants and perfumes. And I never leave for a holiday without my camera. I love photography.

OT: What is your favourite holiday pastime?

Arjun Rampal: Playing video games with my daughters or going for walks as a family and, of course, photography.