Isha Koppikar describes her perfect cup of chai as 'kadak, strong and comforting'. On International Tea Day, the actor shares her love for tea, the memories tied to it, and why chai is more emotion than beverage for her.
Her perfect cup of chai has to instantly feel like home, she says, adding that while she enjoys classic Indian chai with ginger and elaichi, she also likes experimenting with flavours depending on her mood.
For Isha, 4 pm is sacred chai time — a fixed family ritual. 'My amma will say, 'chai ready,' and I know that when I call my parents at 4 o'clock, they'll definitely be having tea,' she shares.
Calling chai 'emotional' and 'very Indian,' Isha says it represents warmth, togetherness and connection. 'It's always 'chalo chai peete hain.' Chai is about sharing and slowing down.'
Her ideal tea-time setting is unapologetically filmy. 'Definitely monsoons, a cosy corner, soft music, hot masala chai in hand, with biscuits and pakodas on the side — that's perfect for me,' says the 49-year-old.
For Isha, tea is a pause amid the rush of everyday life. 'Chai is not just a drink, it's an emotion. It brings stillness into a chaotic day.'
