India visit a memorable experience: Naomi Watts

Los Angeles: Actress Naomi Watts, who has got her first Golden Globe nomination for 'The Impossible', not only enjoyed sightseeing and shopping during her India visit, but was also impressed by the "strength and determination" of HIV mothers whom she met in the capital.

She visited the country with her husband Liev Schreiber last year.

"In Rajasthan, I visited Jal Mahal. It was so beautiful. I was awestruck. The beauty of the terrace garden, Chameli Bagh, was enthralling. I also shopped for Jaipuri quilts from Chaura Rasta in Jaipur. My mother and both my children, Kai and Sasha, had a great time," Watts said in a statement.

Schreiber was shooting in the capital for Mira Nair's 'The Reluctant Fundamentalist' and the 44-year-old actress also visited a hospital here, where she met a few HIV mothers.

"The hospital staff welcomed me warmly," she said.

Talking about her interaction with the mothers there, Watts said: "My heart went out to them. I could see their struggles and challenges that they faced. But what moved me was their strength and determination to raise a healthy child. I have great respect for them."

In 'The Impossible', the actress will be seen as a mother who is separated from her family during tsunami. It is based on real life tsunami survivor Maria Belon.

PVR Pictures will release 'The Impossible' in India on January 4.