When Time Avenue and Omega joined forces to honour precision, excellence and legacy, there was no better icon to celebrate than Smriti Mehra—India’s first female golfer to compete on the LPGA Tour. Fondly known as Simi, Mehra isn’t just a sports legend—she’s a force who’s redefined Indian women’s golf and inspired generations with her resilience, vision, and spirit. At a special event hosted by Time Avenue in collaboration with Omega, she was felicitated not only for her stellar achievements on the green but also for the values she shares with the world of fine watchmaking: discipline, accuracy, and timeless impact.
In this candid interview, Mehra opens up about her love for Japan, the life lessons that shaped her path and the places and experiences that have left a lasting impression on her—on and off the course. From sacred shrines to silent forests, chilli garlic noodles to floating oases, here’s Simi Mehra, unplugged and unmistakably herself. Here are the excerpts.
Q) What’s a place that holds deep meaning for you in terms of personal experiences, hidden gems, and unique perspectives?
Smriti Mehra (SM): Japan is my favourite country in the world—apart from India and the United States. I love Japan. I love the people, I love the food, and I love the whole concept of forest walks. My partner had cancer—stage four—and was given just two months to live. That experience taught me a lot about health and healing. When you go through something like that, you start connecting the dots in your own life. You begin to see patterns—why you were successful, why certain things happened when they did. I remembered how, at 16, I had gone to Swamiji’s ashram in Munger to study yoga at the Bihar School of Yoga. That’s where I first learned about meditation. Not long after that, I made it to the LPGA. Back then, I had no idea about any of this. Today, if someone asked me what made a difference, I’d say: meditation, yoga, and Japanese culture. They have Shintoism, these incredible shrines that teach you how to live in harmony with everything around you. In our own country, our religions teach similar things—they just express it in a beautiful and grateful manner. That’s what I love most about their culture.
Q) What’s the one place in Japan that feels like a hidden treasure to you?
SM: A Shinto shrine. Everyone should visit it. In fact, you don’t even have to see it—you’ll feel it the moment you step inside. I think feelings trump everything we know and all the other senses we have. Once you’re inside, the energy, the essence of what’s around you—it just takes over. It’s overwhelming in the most beautiful way. So yes, definitely visit a Shinto shrine. Atsuro Shrine, in particular. I haven’t been back since maybe 2014 or 2015, but it’s something that’s stayed with me ever since.
Q) Where do you go when you want to escape the crowds and take in the vibe of a place?
SM: I pack my bags, throw my three dogs and my wife in the car and we drive straight up to the top of the mountains—where there’s not even a chai stall around. I really like a peaceful place like Himachal (Pradesh).
Q) What’s your go-to restaurant or café, and what’s the one dish everyone has to try?
SM: There’s a Chinese restaurant in Kolkata called Barbecue and I’ve been going there since I was a kid. It hasn’t changed a bit—everything is exactly the same. I’d absolutely recommend the chilli garlic noodles.
Q) Is there a local experience—something off the beaten path—that you think is a must-do?
SM: I think you should check out this spot on the top floor of Oasis Mall. I believe it’s called the Floating Oasis—it’s on the 21st floor, and from there, you get a full view of Nagoya. It’s a real hidden gem, very local. I don’t think many tourists know about it.
Q) If you had only 24 hours in Japan, how would you spend it?
SM: Walking through a forest.
Q) Where do you shop for fashion, art, or souvenirs that really capture the spirit of the place?
SM: Nagoya train station. I can guarantee you, you’ve never seen anything like it. It’s unbelievable!
Q) Is there a scent, sound, or taste that instantly reminds you of Japan?
SM: Gyoza.
Q) Time is the essence of travel. Can you tell us more about your association with Omega?
SM: My association with the brand began when the Omega India team invited me to an Omega golf event at DLF in Delhi—that’s where our association began. It’s been quite wonderful ever since then. As we all know, golf is all about skill and precision. Similarly, watchmaking is an art that requires the same attention. Omega embodies that skill and perfection. Just like a great golfer, an Omega timepiece is the result of years of refinement and dedication. With Omega’s legacy in sports and precision timing, the connection with golf felt like a perfect fit.
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