Going ga-ga over Goa

Shantanu Mukherjee aka Shaan has established himself as one of India's leading singers with successful albums and umpteen hit Bollywood tracks.

He started his career with less successful remix albums before getting an opportunity to sing a couple of popular tracks such as Musu Musu from Pyar Mein Kabhi Kabhi and Suno Na from Jhankar Beats.

But his stock shot up with his critically acclaimed and highly successful album Tanha Dil. Since then, he has never looked back, growing from strength to strength with his distinctive style of singing.

Last year, he won the Filmfare Award for the Best Male Playback Singer for Chand Sifarish from Fanaa.

This year, he won his second Filmfare for Jab Se Tere Naina from Saawariya. He is today the most sought-after Bollywood singer.

Favourite holiday destination: Goa

I have always loved going to Goa for a vacation simply because it is close to home and safe.

I can take my children along and we have a great time together on the beach.

Besides the lovely beaches, what I really enjoy doing in Goa is riding motorbikes on hire.

You can have a lot of fun going around Goa on the motorbike and can end up at some Goan restaurant [offering] mouthwatering meals.

Memorable moments

Going to Goa with family and taking my children around on the backseat of a motorbike is always exciting and makes me want to come back for more.

What not to do in Goa

Do not get carried away by or involved with illicit activities that take place in remote areas of Goa.

Three must-haves on a holiday

Clothes, money or credit cards and basic utilities such as water and quick-relief medicines.

Any other favourite destination?

In the vicinity of Mumbai, I love to go to Khandala and Panchgani, since they are just a couple of hours away.

— Abdulla Mahmood is a UAE-based freelance writer