Pallavi Purohit on why Chai is an emotion, not a beverage: Tea just tastes better with your loved ones

Actor Pallavi Purohit, currently winning hearts in the TV show Do Duniya Ek Dil, believes tea is far more than just a daily drink. On the occasion of Tea Day, the actress opened up about her deep-rooted connection with chai, the memories attached to it, and why every cup carries emotion, culture, and comfort for her.

Sharing what defines the perfect cup for her, Pallavi says, “For me, a perfect cup of tea is one that is piping hot, freshly brewed decoction with very little milk added only for colour and just one teaspoon of sugar. No masala or extra flavours. I like enjoying it either with a crisp morning newspaper or while having heartfelt conversations with loved ones.”

The actress reveals that her love for tea comes from her Malayalee roots. “I am half Malayalee because my father is from Kerala, where tea runs more in our veins than blood,” she says with a laugh. “Every summer vacation in Palakkad meant family tea time with cousins, hot chai, and Pazampuri — those deep-fried ripe bananas that are a Kerala specialty. Those memories still feel warm.”

Pallavi is particularly passionate about keeping tea simple and authentic. “Tea estate owners invest so much effort, time, labour, and love into growing those leaves. I respect that process. I don’t believe in overboiling tea with milk or adding too much ginger and masala until the original flavour disappears. That’s not tea anymore, that’s chaos in a cup,” she says candidly.

Interestingly, tea has also been her emotional support during stressful moments. “During exams, nothing comforted me the way tea did. The smell of boiling tea leaves from the kitchen on exam mornings always felt like my mother silently telling me, ‘Don’t worry, the day is yours.’ Even today, tea gives me calm during stressful times,” she shares.

Calling tea “an extension of her Mallu culture,” Pallavi believes chai has the power to connect people emotionally. “Tea time is special because conversations flow naturally over tea. By the last sip, people somehow understand each other better. Tea just tastes better when shared with your loved ones.”

And if given a chance to share tea with anyone? “Definitely Shashi Tharoor,” she says. “A roadside tea stall in Munnar, hot idlis, and a conversation with him sounds perfect. Though I may need to revise my Oxford dictionary before that!”