Arjun Chakraborty Actor

Memories of Malsisar, a small and remote village in Jhunjhunu district in Rajasthan, have been indelibly printed on my mind.

The house that my father was allotted was unique. Originally a rest house, it was converted into a home for us. I grew up in that house, and have some wonderful memories of the place.

My friends were the sons of the local farmers and an assortment of people. There was a huge neem tree in the backyard, from which we would pluck neem phal. I remember a snake entering the house once and there was absolute chaos all around!

Sometimes I wish I could modify the house. I have always had the fantasy of building that house on a pond, where I could access the land on my gondola.

I would like to use furniture made of mahogany, and not teak or ply, which seems to be the norm these days.

I remember there used to be a small room on the roof. I would love to convert that into my study or den. It would have a sofa-cum-bed, my computer and, most important, books, as I am a voracious reader.

It should be self-sufficient. An attached bathroom would complete the entire set-up. Since my childhood, I have never been able to study in a large room. I prefer a cosy environment.

In Calcutta, I stay in my ancestral house, which is about 82 years old. It has its own charm.

Red stone floors, high ceilings and 26-inch thick walls. These luxuries are not available in today’s housing complexes. I guess that is one of the reasons why I haven’t yet succumbed to the lure of the new housing complexes coming up by the dozen in the city.

I feel the feeling of freedom that I get from my house can’t be replicated in an apartment.

Since I stay in a joint family, which is a little on the orthodox side, it’s not always possible to decorate the house according to one’s own tastes. I have always felt culture is something that should influence you, and not your house only. Although I don’t have a special liking for crystals or porcelain, antiques fascinate me.

Before signing off, I would like to say that verandahs, wherever possible, should be widened.

They aren’t luxuries, but necessities. I believe they enhance a person’s insight and imagination.