Banaras has touched my soul: Vipul Gupta

Seen in shows like 'K Street Pali Hill' and 'Meri Bhabhi', actor Vipul Gupta, who was on his maiden visit to Banaras for the promotion of his upcoming TV show Aarambh, was quite mesmerised with the city. "I had heard so much about Banaras but standing on the ghats, the feeling was beyond words. It was not just a sensory experience, instead it touched the soul. The Subhah-E-Banaras experience was amazing. I started the journey from Assi Ghat on a boat and travelled to a certain distance. As the boat moved in river Ganga I got a splendid view of the various ghats. Children could be seen enjoying themselves in the water while pilgrims were busy in the rituals. Despite so much of activity, there was a certain serenity. I saw the famous akhara at Tulsi Ghat where the wrestlers practise. To have a closer view of the ghats I got down on one of the ghats and saw the Chet Singh Fort which is a perfect example of exquisite architecture. I was told that a lot of film shoots happen around this area," said the actor quite in awe of the holy city.

Vipul relaxing at Chet Singh Fort (BCCL/ Unmesh Pandey)

Vipul enjoys an early morning boat ride and (R) Vipul Gupta enjoying Banarasi paan (BCCL/ Unmesh Pandey)

Gupta, also part of films like Yeh Saali Zindagi and Lakshya also went for darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Temple. "As the temple is situated in the heart of the city, I could get a glimpse of the daily life of the Banarasis. While walking in the lanes I could see people busy in their household chores. A priest helped us with darshan at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple which was a blissful experience. The place has great positive vibrations which really calms your mind. I believe that after returning from Banaras, I will be a much more culturally enriched person," he says.
A big foodie, Vipul was quite taken in by the Banarasi food. "After the darshan at the temple, we went to the Kachori Gali to have a typically Banarasi breakfast of kachori-sabzi and jalebi. It tasted just out of this world. Food was served in traditional style on the pattal and in donas that added to the fun of eating. In fact, I had also tried the Banarasi thali during lunch in the hotel where I was putting up. I specially loved the dum-aloo and kalaunji served as part of the Banarasi platter. But it was the Banarasi paan which I did not want to miss out on so I went to a paan shop and had gilauris. I must say that I have never had such an amazing paan in my entire life. It just melted in my mouth. In fact I am taking along some Banarasi paans for my father," he said.
Vipul enjoying a Banarasi thali (BCCL/ Unmesh Pandey)

Vipul, who travelled via road from Allahabad to Varanasi was all praise for the roads in UP. "The wide and smooth roads were just perfect for a wonderful journey on the highway. As the weather was pleasant, we stopped at several places and enjoyed the hinterland. We also had chai at one of the dhabas on the way," he said.

Vipul at Chet Singh Fort (BCCL/ Unmesh Pandey)

Some meditation for the actor (BCCL/ Unmesh Pandey)