THE SOLITARY REAPER: LUZINA KHAN
Sheetal Mann sheetal @ chiiz. com
Luzina Khan is living an ideal life of a solo traveller and also her photographs tell the tales of her journeys. Originally from Raipur in Chattisgarh and even staying in Kashmir for days on her own, she has it all worked out.
A silent tigress working up her way against the societal norms. One hell of an interior designer for your beautiful homes and thoughts, she is quite an introvert and serenity drips from her face.
Sheetal: Tell us something a b o u t yourself? Luzina: I was a product designer first, because of which I had to travel a lot to remote areas mainly because of the handicrafts. And when I used to upload my photos from the trip on social media, people really liked them and it encouraged me to travel and click more. That’ s how my love for travelling and photography took form. Now, I travel to many places, whenever I feel like.
Sheetal: Why solo? Was there any special reason for it? Luzina: The constant backing out of my friends from travel plans turned me into a solo traveller. Also, when I am travelling, I prefer home stays, and home meals, rather than hotels and you can only get that when you are travelling alone.
Sheetal: India is not really a favourable country for a female solo traveller. What do you think about it? Luzina: I don’ t really agree with it. Wherever I have been to, people were very nice to me and it all depends on how you adapt to the surroundings. Obviously, you can’ t be wearing shorts or western dresses if you’ re staying in or travelling through a local village. So, it all comes down to how well you can adapt to a place.
Sheetal: Have you ever faced any challenges while travelling? Anything that turned out to be lesson for life? Luzina: No, none at all. And it is true. I have actually never faced anything like that and I hope nothing ever comes my way. I inspire everyone to travel wherever I go. It is the most beautiful thing. Moreover, girls
should travel more and at every chance they get. I think travelling solo gives them a brilliant opportunity to introspect and a better understanding of things.
Sheetal: How was your first solo trip? Luzina: It was in college when we had to choose projects and I always took unrelated projects so that I could travel alone. Also I find solace when I travel alone.
Sheetal: Any other memorable thing related to your trips? Luzina: Well, interestingly, I went to Kashmir 6 or 7 times last year. And believe me, it’ s totally different from what is shown in the media these days. Kashmiri people are nicest of all people I have ever met. They welcome you with open arms and made me feel very safe during my time over there. There have been times when I stayed for months in a stretch.
Sheetal: Since you have travelled almost whole of India, what is your favourite place?
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