Gorging on ice apples is a core memory: Janvi

The season of ice apples is upon Bengaluru, and the familiar sight of ice apple vendors returning to the city’s streets marks a time of refreshing memories for many, including Kannada actress Janvi Rayala. “For me, nothing beats the taste of a juicy ice apple during this season. It’s a flavour deeply connected to Bengaluru and my childhood. I was born and raised in this city, and this time of year was filled with simple pleasures that have shaped me into who I am today,” she says. Excerpts:‘It was during this time that I fell in love with cinema’ “My love for cinema blossomed during my school holidays. Back then, with our VCR and a large collection of Hindi and Kannada films, I’d watch Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kannada movies like Habba on repeat. I’d even act out scenes in front of the mirror, pretending to be the characters. I think that’s when I realised I could become an actor,” says Janvi.‘THIS SEASON HOLDS A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART’Reminiscing about her childhood, Janvi tells us, “This time of year always brings back childhood memories. April and May meant gorging on mangoes – totapuri was always my favourite. Of course, ice apples and tender coconut water are seasonal staples, and I make sure to have them daily.” She tells us that the break from school was also all about learning new things. “It was during my school break, around 6th or 7th grade, that I picked up cooking. Egg Curry was my first attempt, followed by Chicken. My aim was to help my mom and also learn a new skill,” she says. “The break from school brought with it a special tradition: taking our meals to the terrace, she recalls. “It’s another core memory. We would take our meals to the terrace and eat under the moonlight with my mom, her friends, and their kids. It was pure bliss, sitting up there, sharing stories and enjoying simple home-cooked food on a cool night.” Benefits of ice apples l Hydrating & cooling: High water and electrolyte content make them perfect for Bengaluru’s heat. l Good for digestion: High fibre aids gut health, important with dietary changes in summer. l Boosts immunity: Vitamin C content present in the fruit supports the immune system. l Low calorie & nutritious: Offer vitamins and minerals without excessive calories.