From showing her ancestral 75-year-old home to exploring her favourite bakeries in Dehradun; Archana Puran Singh revisits her roots in Dehradun

Actor and television personality Archana Puran Singh recently revisited her childhood as she travelled to her hometown Dehradun and her ancestral village, Dudhli. In a series of vlogs on her YouTube channel, she gave fans a closer look at places that hold a special place in her heart. From showing her 75-year-old family home built by her father, well-known lawyer Puran Singh, to reliving memories at the bakeries she grew up visiting, Archana took viewers through her personal journey. She was also joined by her husband Parmeet Sethi and their sons Aaryamann and Ayushmaan as they enjoyed the city’s famous Bun Tikkis.

Archana shared a tour of her 75-year-old family house built by her father. She told her fans that this was the home she grew up in. Archana even gave a house tour where she showed her small garden and shared how her family often gathered for winter lunches there. Then the entrance that leads to a cosy lobby filled with books, which also works as a library with a view of the garden. She then showed the wooden ceiling in the lobby which was made by Kashmiri artisans specially brought by her father. Archana also showed the dining and living rooms, pointing out that much of the furniture is more than 50 years old.

Archana then travelled to Dudhli, her ancestral village near Dehradun. There she visited the school her father built on the land where their 200-year-old ancestral home once stood. The school is surrounded by family-owned farms that connect Archana, her brothers, and cousins to their roots. She also showed a 150-year-old room that belonged to her grandfather. A 300-year-old tree planted by her great-grandfather still stands in the village. Her mother grew emotional while visiting the home where she first arrived as a bride.

Archana shared glimpses of the farmlands in Dudhli that belong to her and her extended family. She showed her own plot of land which offers a view of both the Himalayas and the Shivalik range. Standing there, she shared that this is the place where she and her family wish to build a home after retirement.

Archana also visited her favourite childhood bakeries in Dehradun. She took her family to three spots that she often visited with her sister. Their first stop was Sunrise Bakers, where Archana’s choice was the “line waale atta biscuits.” Next, they went to Bake Masters, where they enjoyed plum cake and tea cake. The final stop was Ellora Bakers, which Archana recalled used to be one shop but is now divided into two.

During their visit to Dehradun, Archana and her family met many fans. At Sunrise Bakers, the family had to leave quickly after a crowd gathered on learning she was there. At Bake Masters, fans surrounded them again, and Aaryamann asked if they watched his vlogs. One fan replied that he did not know who Aaryamann was, to which he said, “Main apni hi bezzati karwata hoon” (I always do this to myself). A woman then came forward and shared that she follows Ayushmaan on Instagram.

Archana, along with Parmeet Sethi, sons Aaryamann and Ayushmaan, and Yogita Bihani, took up a Bun Tikki challenge in one of her vlogs. Despite heavy rainfall, the family stepped out to enjoy the famous Dehradun Street food. They visited three popular spots — Dwarka Store, Annapurna Swad, and Doon Chaat Bhandar. Archana also recalled that she grew up eating bun-tikki, which is still a common favourite in both Uttarakhand and Punjab.

While eating at their last Bun Tikki stop, Archana spoke about the cost of living in Dehradun. She mentioned how food and other things are reasonably priced compared to Mumbai. She then joked, saying she might move to Dehradun after retirement, but quickly added, “Lekin I don’t plan to retire only.” Parmeet laughed and replied, “100%, issko mein bhej raha hu.” Archana also asked her sons whether they would prefer living in Mumbai or Dehradun. Aaryamann said that while he grew up in Mumbai, Dehradun is very close to his heart. Ayushmaan added that for him, it would be Madh Island.