On the Couch with Vaishnavi Suryaprakash

Vaishnavi Suryaprakash AAR On the CouchWho is Vaishnavi Suryaprakash?
Someone who tries to keep her left brain and right brain engaged.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
Be more vocal about the things I feel strongly about.

Who inspires you and why?
People who think differently. People who fight for what they believe in. People who have a great capacity to love. People who are brave enough to try and make change.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Put limits on how long people can look at their mobile phones or screens each day.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
I love returning to India. Even though I was brought up here in Australia (we moved here when I was around 3 years old), I always feel like I’m home when I get off that plane. But I guess it’s not so much a holiday destination as a family destination. So maybe Cradle Mountain in Tasmania. It feels like time doesn’t exist in that place.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The Paddington Reservoir Garden. It’s got a beautiful garden growing through the remains of Roman-style aqueducts. I love going there when the afternoon light is slanting through the arches.

What are you currently reading?
Hillbilly Elegy by JD Vance.

What are you currently listening to?
An audiobook on sleeping better and more deeply. I am unfortunately a light sleeper who lives in a noisy household… grrrr. It’s called Sleep Smarter by Shawn Stevenson.

Happiness is?
Satisfaction with what you have and eagerness for what is coming.

What does the future hold for you?
A thrilling stage version of Moby Dick playing at the Seymour Centre throughout August. An electric and ridiculously funny two-hander, Pramkicker – which will be on 25 October – 3 November at Chippen St Theatre in Surry Hills, and hopefully more muscles.

Vaishnavi can be seen as Tashtago in Sport for Jove’s production of Moby Dick – currently playing at the Seymour Centre until 25 August 2018. For more information, visit: www.sportforjove.com.au for details.

Image: Vaishnavi Suryaprakash (supplied)