ARUNODAY SINGH

From a struggling story-writer Maanav in Mirch and a suave Dhruv in Aisha to desi cop Rudra in the web series Apharan – Arunoday Singh's acting prowess is a testament to his artistic soul. And we are not just talking about his performances in front of a camera. For those who follow him on Instagram (@sufisoul) would know that Singh is also a poet! In fact, a collection of his poems was published in a book titled Unsung last year.

An erstwhile student of literature, Singh, who chooses to define himself as “caring, considerate and carefree”, believes that there is a little bit of poet in everyone, irrespective of where they come from. Speaking about his passion for artistic expression, he says, "I love acting and writing. They both evoke the same feeling within me; there is no preference. Sketching also brings me immense joy. They all feel equally good to me.”

The story of Unsung Unsung offers a refreshing departure from his usual on-screen portrayal of grey characters. Like he had mentioned in an interview: “Having the persona [I have] doesn’t mean I’m not allowed to have a sensitive soul.” Through this collection, he explores the softer side of his personality and celebrates the myriad shades of love. The poems take the reader on a beautiful journey through the intricate depths of his complex emotions.

“Every poem in Unsung holds a part of my personal journey. Love poetry is particularly close to my heart as it speaks to the aspirations of my Sufi soul. Through my poems, I aspire to attain a soul that is connected to the higher power, the Earth and the life around us. However, I do not claim to have achieved this state yet. Rather, I see myself as someone who is searching for his Sufi soul – a soul that is

Words Snigdha Bhattacharjee

deeply connected to the world around us and to the divine,” explains the artiste, who believes that creativity is an essential aspect of exploring new destinations and immersing oneself in new cultures. He adds, “Writing brings me peace of mind, acting is like a catharsis and travel brings me a sublime transcendence that elevates my soul.”

As of the moment, he is quite caught up between his acting gigs while his new book of poetry takes form.

Kodai Love

Singh loves vacationing in India and one of his favourite destinations is Goa. “However, my heart truly belongs to Kodi [Kodaikanal]. I can't resist going back there at any given opportunity. I had the privilege of attending Kodaikanal International School, a boarding institute, where I discovered my passion for acting through my love for theatre,” he says. His fondness for theatre began during his school days in Kodaikanal and after completing college, “it was only natural for me to pursue acting as a career”. Reminiscing about his fondest Sunday memories, he recalls breakfasts in the school cafeteria – pancakes under the mountain sun. "The pancakes were to die for," he exclaims.

Travelling

Singh loves to travel alone. “I do solo trips and it is highly recommended,” says the actor, who loves Prague, Italy and London. And if you want to escape the scorching heat of the summer, take a page off the poet's travel book and head to the mountains. "While vacationing, I enjoy a blend of excitement and relaxation – adventure during the day and leisure in the evening. In Kodaikanal, I would hike,” he adds.

Kodaikanal Deets

Beautiful Kodaikanal, nestled in the Western Ghats, is located about 115 km from Madurai. One of the most sought-after hill stations in India, it is often referred to as the "Princess of Hills” with spectacular viewpoints and gorgeous waterfalls.

Hiking in Kodi

"I used to love the Bear Shola falls trek that is ideal during monsoons when the falls are at their peak. The spot also offers scenic views throughout the year. There are several other hiking trails in and around Kodaikanal," the actor says.

Shopping Zone

Anna Salai market is a bustling hub. From here, buy a variety of homemade chocolate and cheese and handicraft.

What to Eat

Kodaikanal is a culinary delight. From traditional dishes like idlis and dosas to popular snacks like momos and noodle soup, there is a lot on the plate. It's also known for restaurants serving delicious international cuisine.

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