Tea is not just a word for some, it’s a whole emotion. The world observes International Tea Day on May 21 — and for actor and celebrity stylist Riddhima Sharma, chai is not just part of her day, it’s part of her soul.

Ask Riddhima if she’s a tea person and her answer is immediate, heartfelt, and full of nostalgia.

“I’m a total tea enthusiast!” she beams. “I’m absolutely obsessed with tea, especially Masala Chai. My daily ritual is to wake up around 4 am, pray, and then indulge in a steaming cup of Masala Tea. It’s incredibly refreshing, especially when shared with my mother.”

This daily moment, shared quietly with her mom, is not just about sipping chai — it’s a grounding ritual, a slice of peace before the day begins.

When asked about her favourite tea memory, Riddhima takes us on a poetic journey.

“One of my all-time favorite tea memories is imagining myself in Udaipur during the rainy season — my most loved city. There’s something magical about driving up to Sajjan Garh Palace, the way the road curves, the view gets better with every turn, and the clouds start rolling in. Once you’re at the top, you can see the whole city — lakes, hills, everything covered in mist. Sitting there with a hot cup of chai in hand, the smell of rain in the air, and the wind playing with your dupatta — it’s just… perfect. That’s the kind of tea memory that stays in your soul forever.”

Beyond nostalgia, chai connects Riddhima to her roots in a deeper, more personal way.

“Tea is like… a hug from the past, you know?” she reflects. “Every time I drink it, it’s like sitting with generations of women in my family, all sipping and chatting and just being. Plus, it’s that quiet little moment of peace before the chaos of the world hits. Total 90s vibe — slow down, chill out, feel cute.”

In today’s world, where tea comes in endless varieties and fancy brews, Riddhima still holds a special place in her heart for the classics.

“I like thade wali chai,” she smiles. “And in Jaipur, nothing beats Gulab Ji Ki Chai.”

On International Tea Day, Riddhima reminds us that chai is more than a beverage. It’s memory, culture, comfort — and sometimes, even a moment of magic on a misty hilltop.