Tell us about yourself.
I am qualified Journalist from IIMC New Delhi, and a Political Science Honours Graduate from Loreto College Calcutta. I have been contributing to several leading English newspapers & magazines like Economic Times – Metro section (Calcutta), Statesman, Times of India, Gulf Today (UAE), DNA, HT Café, Go Getter, Yuva, Food & Nightlife, HRA Now, BBC Good Food.
I specialize in F&B and Hospitality and currently, write regular columns in Asian Age and Navhind Times and features for Conde Nast Traveller and Hotelier India magazines. I also anchor and host two food shows Chef’s Delight & Cooking with the stars for India Food Network on You tube.
I have been doing theatre for over two decades now and have acted in several Hindi TV serials too like Kasauti Zindagi Kay, Dekho Magar Pyar Se, Kissi Ki Nazar Na lage on Star Plus. My well known English plays are ‘Apples & walnuts’, Red Hot Mamas, Maureen He & Me.
I am a Model as well and have done ads for Good Knight, L&T Financial Services, Sona Jewellers, Vaseline face wash, Timespro, Master Chef promo, Good Knight, Lodha Builders etc.
I am a trained Kathak dancer, in fact a Gold medalist.
Being a food writer and actor, how do you manage yourself in both professions?
I believe that if you are passionate about something, you can find the time to do it and that’s what I do. I make the time for all the things I enjoy doing. It is not difficult. You just have to be organized and have good time management.
What inspired you to start writing/blogging on food?
Being a qualified Journalist, I have been writing for years now and since I am a foodie and a good cook, writing on food seemed a logical progression.
Tell us more about your typical day.
My day begins early and I adeptly manage both the home and work front. I pack in a lot daily, but love it that way.
What do you do when you are not doing what you regularly do?
That’s really rare, as I am writing or acting/ modeling/ anchoring most of the time. And if I am not then, I am busy chatting with chefs about food, or may be watching a film, as I am a huge film buff.
Tell us about the best part of your work.
Getting to meet some wonderful people
What are your favorite books and why? Favorite films? Favorite music?
‘Who Moved My Cheese’ and Sholay. A lot of life’s simple lessons are well told in that book and the film is simply a masterpiece in entertainment. Music depends upon my mood. I love Ghazals by Jagjit Singh.
Give us three “Good to Know” facts about you. Be creative. Tell us about your job, the inspiration for your writing, any fun details that would enliven your page.
I am a Punjabi married to a Goan
I speak fluent Bengali
I have a terrific sense of humour
I love my work, thankfully it is not a job. I am passionate about it and so it never seems like drudgery.
How/where do you see yourself/yourwork in next 3/5 years from now?
Well I am a senior professional who has been doing this for many years now and I see myself acting and writing till the last day of my life. Hopefully!
Who is your inspiration/role model?
My Dad. I have learnt the importance of punctuality and hard work from him.
What is your favorite holiday spot/food/gadget?
In India, Kashmir, abroad- London
I love Thai food. Am not a gadget person.
What is your next project?
Who knows what may come along tomorrow?
Your message to the management students?
Work hard, there are no shortcuts to success. Be disciplined, punctual and believe in your self.
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