7 minute read

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan has nothing to hide

Maitreyi, now that Never Have I Ever has wrapped, what are you hearing from the fans, your friends, your family?

There’s a lot of discussion. Team Ben is happy, Team Paxton is upset. But beyond that, everyone is satisfied with Devi’s individual story.

I couldn’t help noticing that the show leaves a window open for a possible return (John McEnroe’s narration concludes with “for now”). Can you elaborate?

I would love to tell you what it means, but that’s all up to the writers.

Would you be up for it, or do you need a break?

I would like a bit of a break. I actually like how the show ends. Let it live for a bit, so when it comes back there will be excitement.

The show ends with a Bollywood-style dance with your cousin in the show (Richa Moorjani). How long did it take you to prepare, and who choreographed it?

Fun fact: The person who choreographed the final dance was the main dancer in the Ganesh Puja episode in season one. It was a very nice button-end and what a character ending for Devi, from being this girl who makes fun of the dancers —she described them as “dorky”— to happily becoming one of them. I had 48 hours to learn it, it was kind of tough: I also had to learn the harp and had a bunch of lines to memorize. I gave it the best shot that I had and hopefully was good enough.

Have you evaluated your evolution as an actor from season one to season four?

I knew nothing back in season one. I was learning on the spot. By season four my comic timing came naturally, I felt comfortable with taking risks and playing around. Having said that, I’m very proud of my 17-year-old self. I did a lot for my first ever experience, and I did really good. What I’m proud of the most is how brave and courageous I was for trying.

What was the most “method” thing you did for the part?

I don’t do method. If anything, I did anti-method stuff, things that reminded me of who I was, so I separated myself from the character.

Rather than ask you what are you doing next, tell me what you don’t want to do.

I don’t want to do surface-level characters. If Never Have I Ever gave me anything was the opportunity to play an amazing character supported by great writing. I don’t want to lower my standards by playing a side character. That’s not why I’m doing this. One of the best pieces of career advice I received was to stay picky and do what you love.

Is there such thing as a WhatsApp group for the Never Have I Ever cast?

We have group chats. I’ve one with the guys, Jaren (Lewison) and Darren (Barnet), called “The O.G. Love Triangle”. That’s a fun one.

I keep reading in recent interviews that you may have lied. Can you tell me a lie?

That’s not how it works! You would know it’s a lie!

That’s fair.

I did love pranking everyone. I’m glad it got attention. I wanted people to know they got pranked. I’ve nothing to hide.

Ahoy there, fellow adventure junkies, travel enthusiasts and sea lovers! Craving to escape the humdrum of routine life once again? How about embarking on a thrilling voyage through the languid sea and soaking yourself in the tranquil embrace of the vast, azure ocean waters? If the answer is a resounding yes, then a trip aboard a cruise ship is the perfect remedy for your wanderlust.

Picture yourself waking up to new spectacular horizons every day, indulging in luxurious experiences and exploring stunning destinations along the way — Cruising the sea offers an unparalleled and exhilarating experience that captivates all your senses. From hypnotic sunsets to astounding landscapes, the scenes you witness from the deck of a cruise ship are simply otherworldly. Today, with most of the world accessible by a cruise ship, it is hard to pick from the tempting list of cruise destinations available. But worry not; we have handpicked some of the most exotic routes for you, so read on and start planning your next exciting cruise right away.

Alaska's Inside Passage

Prepare yourself to be awestruck as you navigate through the glorious snowcapped peaks to calving glaciers and deep fjords to forest-blanketed land once you embark on this sail. Stretching from the southern Puget Sound in Washington State, through the scenic Pacific coast of British Columbia and finally winding into the Gulf of Alaska, the Inside Passage is one of the most mesmerizing cruise routes in the world. A must for nature and adventure lovers, Alaska's Inside Passage is dotted with more than 1000 picturesque islands, coves, fjords, bays, and national parks, which are only accessible by boat or plane. So, not only can you enjoy the enchanting wildlife, including orcas to

By Shweta Kulkarni

Cruising through the seas promises an unparalleled experience. Check out our handpicked list of the most fascinating cruise destinations to plan your next holiday.

playful otters, humpback whales to Pacific white-side dolphins, and bears to seal, but you can also explore charming coastal towns like Juneau and Skagway, where rich history and local culture come alive.

Embarkation Ports: Seattle in Washington and Vancouver in British Columbia are two main embarkation ports for Alaska Inside Passage cruises.

Bountiful natural wonders and once-in-alifetime thrills await you as you set sail for this voyage. High cliffs, cascading waterfalls, incredible landscapes, picture-perfect views, and serene blue waters — A voyage through the dramatic Norwegian fjords is a delightful visual feast. The route is unhurried and peaceful, offering travellers a leisurely soak in the natural beauty of Norway. Apart from the majestic fjords, especially the four jewels, Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord, Geirangerfjord, and Lysefjord, Norway's charming cities and villages present captivating opportunities for history buffs and foodies. Delve in the magic of rich historical cities like Oslo and Bergen and let your taste buds indulge in the delectable Norwegian cuisine, and perhaps if you are lucky, get a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights.

Embarkation Ports: There are several embarkation ports in Norway for the Norwegian Fjords cruise trip, including Bergen, Oslo, Stavanger, and Kristiansund. Some cruise lines also offer Norwegian fjords cruises that depart from Copenhagen, Denmark, or Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Whether you are an adventure seeker, cultural enthusiast or ocean lover, cruising through sultry French Polynesia will surely please everyone. Surrounded by sky-piercing moss-green peaks, crystal clear lagoons, thousands of year-old ancient ruins, and unspoiled soft-sand beaches, the French Polynesia cruise route is a dream come true for those wanting a slice of paradise on earth. The route typically includes cruising through the beautiful and famous Polynesian islands Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, and Raiatea, where one can witness untouched beauty and vibrant marine life. Relax on the pristine beaches, explore the colourful undersea life, dig into the local history and culture of the islands, swim with sting rays or get a chance to swim alongside the royal humpback whales in Moorea. You can do it all once you embark on a cruise trip through French Polynesia.

Embarkation Ports: Papeete in Tahiti, Los Angeles in California, and Sydney in Australia are the most popular embarkation ports.

Looking for a truly epic adventure? Then set your course for Antarctica. Once visited only by hard-core explorers, this coldest, driest, and windiest continent of the earth has caught the fancy of many travellers recently and has become a popular cruise destination. Home to a variety of penguins, seals, and whales, Antarctica, with its endless stretches of snow-covered plains and majestic topography, offers a glimpse into a world seldom seen. Picture infinite icy landscapes, imposing icebergs and towering glaciers all coming together to create a surreal setting that captivates the eye. Cross the most turbulent Drake passage, encounter the abundant wildlife with penguins waddling along the untouched shores, occasional glimpses of whales breaching, and seals resting on ice floes — believe us, this cruise destination offers an extraordinary experience like nothing else.

Embarkation Ports: One can start the trip from embarkation ports at Ushuaia in Argentina and Punta Arenas in Chile.

Vibrant culture, gorgeous beaches, historical towns, and mouth-watering food awaits you as you set sail to the sunsoaked Mexican Riviera paradise. One of the most popular destinations for cruises, the Mexican Riviera, offers a variety of activities for adventure seekers and a serene rejuvenating atmosphere for nature lovers. With three main ports, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlán, a cruise voyage through the Mexican Riviera allows you to immerse in the lively Mexican atmosphere as you explore the charming resort towns, taste delectable cuisine and indulge in exciting water sports. From the bustling markets to golden beaches, charming township, enchanting Spanish colonial architecture, historical sites to jaw-dropping sunsets, the Mexican Riviera cruise route offers a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion, making it a must-visit destination for any cruise enthusiast.

Embarkation Ports: Long Beach, San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles in California are some of the embarkation ports. Travellers can also choose a route from Vancouver and Victoria in British Columbia.

A voyage through Milford Sound is nothing short of breathtaking. Nestled within New Zealand's Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is known for its lush rainforest clinging to soaring cliffs, cascading waterfalls and gardens of coral growth beneath the water surface, all coming together to create a magical playground. A haven for wildlife lovers, cruisers can witness seals, penguins, whales, dolphins, and rare and exotic birds alongside pristine, untouched landscapes as the ship meanders through the tranquil waters. The sheer grandeur of this region is best enjoyed from the deck of a ship, and sailing through Milford Sound promises to be truly magical and awe-inspiring.

Embarkation Ports: The most common embarkation ports for Milford Sound cruise are Queenstown, Te Anau, and Milford Sound.

For those seeking a wild and untamed adventure, the cruise route through the volcanic islands of the Galapagos cruise is an ideal choice. White sand beaches, crystal blue waters, towering volcanic cliffs, and unique wildlife are wondrous, making Galapagos Islands a must-visit cruise destination. Marvel at giant tortoises, discover prehistoric-looking marine iguanas, swim with sea lions and snorkel among penguins. The enchanting wildlife of the Galapagos is something you will never see anywhere else in the world. Traversing through the remote Galapagos Islands promises an unforgettable adventure.

Embarkation Ports: Baltra Island, San Cristobal Island, and Santa Cruz Island are some embarkation ports for the Galapagos Islands cruise.

Khalsa Credit Union's 2023 Scholarship Awards and Bursaries Gala

Khalsa Credit Union hosted its annual 2023 Scholarship Awards and Bursaries Gala at the Royal King Palace and Convention Center in Surrey on June 21st, 2023. Reinforcing its commitment to supporting future leaders' education in the community, the organization gave scholarships to 37 students worth $74,000 to help them achieve their academic goals and further their education.

CCI Mental Health Society Charity Golf Tournament

Garry Sangha, CEO of Crystal Consulting Inc., organized the third CCI Mental Health Society Charity Golf Tournament at the Northview Golf & Country Club in Surrey on June 20th, 2023. The initiative was started to spread awareness and raise much-needed funds for mental health. A night of education and philanthropy brought the mental health issue to the forefront.

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