When I look back at my life now, I find it unbelievably amusing and a bit amazing that I never walked till as late as 5 years of age but spend my time today criss-crossing the country's wildlife sanctuaries, tracking tigers, and roaming around in the wild with scores of people following me with bated breath. I have lived in jungles, climbed mountains, enjoyed the soul-stirring beauty of the Himalayas, and come face to face with tigers on many occasions. And each time, instead of the raw fear that people experience when they see one, my heart leaps with joy and my determination to spend my time in their company only strengthens further.

AllL smiles: Sudha Menon (left) and Hans Dalal (2nd from left). Pics/Atul Kamble

In the Himalayas
To this day, I remember the Himalayan treks that I was introduced to by my uncle. From Manali, we would walk up to the start of the river Beas. I’ve also done one Indo-British camp where we walked from Rohtang pass to Chandratal. It was a six-day trek one way. We went to this lake in Chandratal, 14,500 feet up, camped there overnight, and walked back. It was easily one of the most beautiful things I have ever done in my life. I have done fourteen days of non-stop walking in the Himalayas, in the middle of nowhere. That’s when you hear true silence and come to understand its meaning. In the urban jungle of city life, you feel like you're the king, but when you are standing surrounded by the Himalayas, you feel so small. It puts so much into perspective.