Shamna Kasim has earned many fans as a model, dancer, and actress. A native of Kannur, the pretty lady has made a mark in several South Indian language films. Though never free from a busy work schedule, Shamna still finds time to travel with family.
The star, who loves visiting places, is particular about setting out on a trip along with relatives taking a break from work. Each year she plans a journey to a new destination. She shares with Onmanorama her favourite journeys and thrilling experiences.
Utilizing the breaks
Shamna enjoys travelling but does not believe that life is made for it. “While the circle of shooting and the hopping from one location to the other continues, I often feel the need for a break. Along with Mummy and elder sisters, we head to a calm and quiet place in some corner of the globe. I enjoy trips together with everyone in the family. Most of my journeys have been with dear ones. It is indeed a special affair,” she says.
However, trips with friends have been few and far between. “When I feel a sudden urge to travel I join my friends and plan a quick trip. But Mom keeps contacting me over phone from the start of the journey to the destination. As I am Mummy's pet, she gets terribly anxious when I travel with friends,” says Shamna.
“Mom feels none of my friends will act responsibly as all of us are of the same age. She raises several such complaints; but it is due to her love and affection for me,” adds the actress.
“Mamma is very tense till I return from a trip with friends,” says Shamna.
Favourite place: Kannur
Having been born and brought up in Kannur, Shamna has no other spot to suggest as her favourite place. “I love the culture, sights, and cuisine of Kannur. My school was very near the Payyambalam beach and I used to go there regularly along with friends,” she says.
“The beach has always fascinated me. The best time to be there is at daybreak and sunset. I still make it to Payyambalam simply to enjoy the sights when dusk set in,” Shamna adds.
Her another favourite beach is the one at Muzhappilangad. “Spending the evenings on the beach enjoying the breeze gives such a good feeling,” the star reveals.
Her dream honeymoon destination
Shamna has visited several countries in connection with shooting and for other engagements. The destination that has attracted her the most is former country Czechoslovakia. She had gone there as part of the shooting for a Parthipan movie. Some sections of the film were shot in Austria. After the work there, the crew headed to Czech, Slovakia. By the time they reached there, it was dark. When she woke up the next day Shamna realised how beautiful the country is.
“I never imagined that it was such a stunning place. The scenery was indescribable,” says Shamna.
The shooting was quickly over and Shamna could not visit any other spot in the country.
That day Shamna took the decision to travel to Czech, Slovakia for her honeymoon. It won her herart.
A sea foodie
Wherever she goes, Shamna makes it a point to taste the special dishes of the area. “My favourites are marine fishes. There is a long list of them, including prawn roast and fry and mussels. During a trip to Malaysia, I could taste several sea food delicacies. All of them were extremely tasty,” says the star.
During every visit to Kozhikode, Shamna remembers to order a dish of mussels.
“I have a special liking for Thalassery cuisine,” she says.
A shopping fan
Shamna loves shopping. Wherever she goes, Shamna buys items which would preserve the memories of the place.
During a trip to Goa, Shamna bought several figurines made of shells as a memento. She likes antique collections also. “When I visit Jaipur, I will be buying ornaments of the local style. However, my favourite shopping destination is Dubai. Most of the western dresses I wear were bought from Dubai. Even my kitchen items come from Dubai. For shopping, I choose Dubai city.
“Even though I like travelling, I prefer visiting places which are calm and quiet. Among the various places I have travelled to, the cleanest city is Singapore,” says Shamna.
Everything is neat there. The place casts a spell on visitors. Shamna too felt a special liking for Singapore which has several attractions. “After the trip to Czechoslovakia, I wish to visit similar places which charm travellers with their scenic beauty,” says the actress.
