It’s not every day you get to pack your bags and go off to an exotic location in India – and get paid for the privilege.

But Celia Imrie got to do just that, twice, when she starred in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and its new follow-up, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

The 62-year-old actress, who plays Madge Hardcastle in movies, spoke about the Indian magic that possibly contributed to the film’s global success.

Celia returns alongside Dame Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Dame Maggie Smith and Dev Patel in the sequel to the hit film about a group of retired Brits who go to live in a new hotel in India.

Celia Imrie speaks of magical experience.
Celia dressed in traditional Indian wear (Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, which also stars Richard Gere and Tamsin Grieg, is in cinemas now.