Parul Gulati on Why Goa Feels Like Home: “It Gives Me the Space Mumbai Never Can”

Goa: For Parul Gulati, Goa is not simply a destination to escape to between work commitments. It has become a place where the actor and entrepreneur can slow down, think clearly and maintain a lifestyle that feels different from the constant pace of Mumbai.

The Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 actor has built a strong connection with Goa, where she has a home, hostel and store. While Mumbai continues to be important to her professionally, Parul says Goa gives her something she struggles to find in the city — space.

“I think I keep on coming back to Goa again and again because Goa provides me with something that Mumbai never can. It’s the space. Space to think, to create, just to slow down, which I don’t get to do in Mumbai,” she said.

Why Parul Gulati keeps returning to Goa

Mumbai’s energy remains something Parul enjoys, but she does not see herself giving up the city completely.

“I do love the hustle of Mumbai. Hence, I don’t see myself settling here, but it’s a perfect place for having a break,” she said.

For the actor, the appeal of Goa lies in the ordinary moments rather than an elaborate holiday itinerary.

Stress-free mornings, rides on a scooty and the state’s monsoon season are among the experiences she particularly enjoys. She also values the occasional opportunity to disconnect completely from the outside world.

That ability to pause appears to have become increasingly important as Parul balances two demanding professional identities.

How entrepreneurship has influenced her acting

Alongside acting, Parul has pursued entrepreneurship, an experience she says has changed the way she approaches her creative career.

“Entrepreneurship has taught me resilience. You hear ‘no’ every day, solve problems every day, and learn to understand people,” she said.

Those lessons have also influenced her understanding of acting. Dealing with rejection, making decisions and working with different personalities are all part of both professions, and Parul believes the experience has strengthened her instincts.

Rather than simply choosing roles because they fit her existing image, she wants to explore characters that allow her to discover something unfamiliar.

Parul wants roles that challenge her

Parul says she is interested in playing characters that are substantially different from her own personality.

For her, the attraction of acting lies partly in the opportunity to inhabit another perspective and take on challenges that push her creatively.

One particular ambition has a literary connection. Parul has spoken about her childhood admiration for poet and writer Amrita Pritam and hopes to eventually work on a project connected to her.

“It’s been a childhood dream to do anything which is related to Amrita Pritam ji. I have grown up reading her poetries,” she said.

The aspiration reflects the kind of storytelling Parul appears keen to explore as she develops the next phase of her acting career.

Why social-media followers are not enough

Parul has also developed a significant digital presence and is popularly known as “Malkin” on social media.

She recognises that online visibility can influence opportunities in the entertainment industry, particularly at a time when an actor’s digital following can attract attention from casting teams and brands.

But she does not believe social-media numbers alone can sustain a career.

“Followers may get me a meeting, but talent is what will bring me longevity,” she said.

The distinction is central to how Parul views her career. Digital popularity can create an opening, but she believes the ability to deliver strong performances ultimately determines whether an actor can build a lasting presence.

Goa gives Parul room to define balance on her own terms

Parul’s relationship with Goa appears to be less about leaving Mumbai behind and more about creating an alternative rhythm alongside her professional life.

With her work in acting and entrepreneurship continuing, Goa gives her a setting in which she can step away from the industry’s intensity without completely disconnecting from her ambitions.

For an actor who wants to take on more challenging roles while continuing to build her businesses, that balance may be as valuable as any conventional career opportunity.