For most of us, a cup of tea is a comforting habit. But for actors whose lives revolve around tight schedules, early call times, and emotionally intense scenes, it means much more. On National Tea Day, &TV actors open up about their bond with tea, not just as a beverage but as a daily companion that offers energy, warmth, and a moment of stillness amid the chaos. Here’s how Smita Sable (Dhaniya in Bheema), Yogesh Tripathi (Daroga Happu Singh in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai) find comfort and calm in their favourite cup of chai, share how tea plays a calming and invigorating role in their dynamic lives. Smita Sable, who essays the role of Dhaniya in Bheema, shares, “Tea is my silent cheerleader. It understands me without words. When I am on set at dawn and the world still feels half asleep, a strong masala chai is like a warm nudge, saying, ‘You’ve got this.’ The spices awaken me instantly. On chilly days, I reach for ginger. The way it travels through me, warming every inch, it feels like home. And during scorching summer shoots, I swear by a tall glass of iced lemon tea. It is tangy, cold, and instantly uplifting. Even emotionally demanding scenes feel a little easier with green tea in hand. It centres me. For me, tea isn’t just a drink, it’s a mood, a memory, and a mindful pause all rolled into one.”
Yogesh Tripathi, aka Daroga Happu Singh from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, shares, “Chai is my meditation in a kulhad. Whether I am gearing up for a packed day or winding down from one, it never fails to match my mood. My mornings start with a strong chai, as it acts as my wake-up call. I am a desi chai lover, made with milk, tea leaves, sugar, ginger, cardamom, and sometimes even a hint of black pepper. As much as I enjoy drinking tea, I also love the process of making it. Whenever I am home, you will find me in the kitchen, brewing a good cup of chai for my wife and me. She loves it. She says my chai is the best, and honestly, I take that as the highest compliment. Those little shared tea breaks are our way of reconnecting after a long day.” Shubhangi Atre, aka Angoori Bhabi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, shares, “I am a chai lover, but I mostly enjoy aromatic teas. You could say I have tried every flavour that exists. Discovering new varieties of tea has become a hobby of mine whenever I travel. Be it Moroccan mint tea in Marrakech, matcha in Japan, or oolong from China—I love exploring local brews. But my all-time favourite will always be the desi kulhad wali chai I had in Varanasi during a recent trip. It instantly elevated my energy, and I thoroughly enjoyed every sip. There’s just something about that earthy flavour and the way it connects you to your roots.”
Watch Bheema at 8:30 PM, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 PM and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 PM every Monday to Friday only on &TV!