Actor Charul Malik is hosting a travel show called Desi Rasoi Se, which will cover the entire country. Sharing more information about the show, she says, “We’ve already explored 12-13 states, with many more to go. The experience has been amazing because, even though we live in India, we rarely get to travel around it. We usually stay in luxury hotels, eat food, and quickly move on. But in this show, I’ve spent 2 to 3 days in each of the 11 cities across 11 states. I’ve explored every corner, seen historical monuments, and experienced local cuisine and specialties. In my career, I’ve always worked as a studio anchor, staying in one place with everything organized for me. This shoot has been a big challenge because I worked in temperatures as high as 50 degrees. It has been tough but incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned a lot and had a great time.”
She also adds, “This is my first Indian travel show as an anchor. Previously, I worked on international segments for my news channel, covering Switzerland, South Korea, Australia, and South Africa. Exploring India is something I haven’t done much, so this is my first Indian travel show. I’m really doing something I’m passionate about. It feels like a blessing to do what I love and get to anchor in a new way. It’s always exciting to work on something that keeps me enthusiastic.”
Charul also shares how her perception has changed about different cultures. She adds, “This show has changed my perspective on different cultures. Before, I only heard about these cultures and foods. But after covering them, I realized that life is not as simple as it seems. Each state has its own challenges and traditions. I’ve seen how people preserve their traditional recipes to ensure they don’t vanish. Our Indian culture and recipes are at risk of disappearing because we are becoming so fast-food oriented. This show explores these recipes and traditions, which are important to our heritage. I feel we have become very westernized, often rushing abroad for vacations, but India has so much to offer. There are so many places and traditions here that we overlook. I’ve seen how people are preserving their cultural heritage and traditional recipes, and it was wonderful to witness this revival. Meeting people deeply connected to their culture and roots was incredible. The show is not just about recipes or cooking; it’s about understanding our own culture and heritage. Our country has so many colors and spices, and so much of it reaches foreign lands. We tend to forget the value of what we have here. I’ve learned that the hard work involved in travel shows is intense. It sounds exciting, but it can be exhausting. Despite the challenges, I loved every moment of it. The passion for what you do keeps you going, even when it’s tough. That’s why doing what you love never feels like work. The best part about this show is that it’s very candid. I’m just being myself and reacting naturally. It’s an unscripted experience, so while there is a script, we often have to adapt to changes in real time.” Charul says, “Meeting and interacting with people from different cultures, with various temperaments and moods, is very interesting and adds a lot of value to the show. The show has a unique blend of traditional Indian elements with a seaside setting. It captures the essence and mood of the sea while showcasing a distinct Indian style. I have a wonderful team, and we’re having a great time together. Even though we work a lot and our schedules are tight—sometimes 15 to 30 days in a month—it’s always fun. The work wouldn’t be possible without the team’s effort. I’m really grateful to all my team members.”
Charul also shares how she enjoys getting ready for the shoot. “I tried different traditional outfits in each state, like wearing a saree in Jharkhand and trying on local dresses in Gujarat. Each state’s style was reflected in my wardrobe. I also liked that the shoot had minimal makeup, giving me a natural look that felt great.” Charul, who is part of the popular show Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hai, praises her producers, Sanjay and Binaiferr Kohli, for being incredibly supportive, and she is very grateful for their support.
