Lunching with Vikram Singh at 180 Degrees

Check the slideshow above I waited for my guest, nibbling on mini idlis, dhokla, khandvi and patra at the plush 180 Degrees all-day-dining of Grand Sarovar Premiere in Goregoan, with the dapper GM Ajoy Balkrishnan for company. While discussing matters pertaining to hospitality industry, sipping on refreshing watermelon juice and savoring scrumptious starters from the buffet spread, I spotted a tall guy walk in and enquire with the hostess. Suddenly it struck me that he was the guest I was waiting for. The long locks I had seen him with as the hero of Ya Rab had disappeared which made me take long to recognise Vikram singh. I met a hardcore Punju in Hindi film actor Vikram Singh –affable and large-hearted six footer with dole-shole (muscles) et al. He entered the restaurant with a friendly smile and we hit it off from then on with my curious query, “Why are you called Locovicky?” Over salads of sprouts, Pokchoy, Thai spring vegetables, Tofu in Blackbean sauce (he prefers health food to junk unlike me) which were attractively and colorfully displayed at 180 Degrees salad bar, Vikram took the conversation forward saying, “It’s a Spanish name….normally Vikram gets nicknamed as Vicky. When I was abroad, I got this moniker of Locovicky and liked it so much that I decided to retain it.” The actor frequents the salubrious country of New Zealand as if it is just next door, “My brother runs a food business in NZ and I visit the lovely country as and when I feel like.” And the sports freak enjoys doing adventure activities there. Though he loves food, he is diet conscious and does everything to maintain a good physique. Talking of food makes us go for the main course of 180 Degrees’ typically delicious trademark dishes like Mausam-e-bahar of farm fresh vegetables in mildly spiced gravy, Baingan ka Salan, Chicken Tikka Makhanwala with aromatic spices and laced with cream, Kadhi Pakodi, Dal Tarkheywali with tandoori rotis and veg pulao. I had never before savored such a tasty preparation of tendli in a restaurant. Born with a silver spoon, Vikram is an avid sportsperson, a good horse rider besides being a Harley Davidson and adventure sports fan. Another revelation is he loves doing his own stunts which he has attempted in his forthcoming Sajid Nadiadwala movie Heropanti, as Rajjo Fauji. Disclosing a wee bit on his role he says, “I am an anti-hero in Heropanti - A very rustic and boisterous character.” He is all praise for hero Tiger Shroff’s diet and fitness regime. Debuting with Mumbai Godfather, Vikram has acted as villain in south films including Telugu hit film Manadhi Maayam Seidhai. About relationships, he opens up about his failed relationship with a Telugu actress (doesn’t name her) which has left him disillusioned. “I would prefer a girl from non-filmi background as a life partner,” he muses. Kulfi Pan-e-Bahaar is a sell-out dessert at 180 Degrees. But we opt for the dessert counter that flaunted Brownies, Panacotta, apple pie, pastries and mousses apart from sinful mithais like Angoori Rabdi, Gulab Jamuns, Phirni and more. Vikram not entertaining a sweet tooth just took a bite of one of the desserts before saying adieu. Vikram here’s hoping to see more of you in Bollywood movies and wish you lots of Luck and Good Tidings! Rapid Fire Qs with Vikram Singh: Fav cuisine is… North Indian, Punjabi and also Thai food. Junk food… Burger Fuel. It’s a chain of burger restaurants from New Zealand. Sweet dish... Daal ka halwa. Can you cook... Yes, I can cook. Fave actor Sylvester Stallone. Single or dating? Single. A pick-up line you use... No pick up line cos I get picked up…ha ha. Success to me is… Satisfaction. My dream destination is… Exotic islands in south of America. I am paranoid about… Wet floors. Scared of slipping. High point… Yet to come. Low point… When I lost my father and I was a teenager. I trust… Only myself. Marriage to me is… Completing the cycle of birth. I am possessive about… My shoes and my gym gear. If not an actor… Still I would be acting in my other profession. So always an actor. I would love to play… Rocky of Sylvester Stallone on boxing and also Shah Rukh of Veer Zaara. Fitness mantra... Keep fit and first step to start is be very positive. The dishes I liked at 180 Degrees… The salad bar as well the cream chicken I had and desserts of course. For one thing no one knows about me .... I yet have to know about that.