'The US is my holiday home'

Aadesh Srivastav is a popular music composer in Bollywood. He is married to actress Vijyeta Pandit and is the brother-in-law of popular music composers Jatin-Lalit.

Srivastav notched up an achievement when he had legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar sing for his very first song in 1993.

He got his first hit song Haathon Mein Aagaya from Aao Pyar Karen but his big ticket came when Amitabh Bachchan danced to his popular tracks Sona Sona and Shava Shava.

Incidentally, most of his hits are from Bachchan starrers. He has diverted his attention to private albums and collaborations with international artistes such as Wyclef Jean, Norah Jones, Shakira and Akon.

He has also been a judge in musical reality shows such as Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and Star Voice of India.

Favourite holiday destination: The United States

I have fallen in love with this country because of the way people go about their daily lives. I love the streets, the food and the weather.

As a musician, it is always fascinating to visit musical theatres and venues of musical interest, such as the House of Blues and the Nokia Theatre, where you have live performances.

Besides New York, which is vibrant and cosmopolitan, I also love being in Los Angeles.

For the past two years, I have been visiting the United States frequently, and it has become my holiday home.

Memorable moments in the US

I think I will never forget the moment when I performed with Wyclef at the House of Blues and later jammed with Akon in Los Angeles, where I performed bhangra and hip-hop rap with him in front of a huge audience.

What not to do in the US

It is best to abide by the law. Don't do anything unlawful.

Three must-haves on a holiday

Cellphone, foreign currency and passport with a valid visa.

Any other favourite destination?

I also enjoy going to the United Kingdom with my family.

— Abdullah Mahmood is a UAE-based freelance journalist