Digging into Flavours with Delnaaz Irani

Check the slideshow above It was the fourth time after cancelling our three earlier appointments that Delnaaz Irani and I finally managed to meet over lunch at Flavours, the all-day-dining restaurant of Grand Hometel in Malad, Mumbai. Close-by for the actor who stays in Jogeshwari but a long way for yours truly. Donning tight fitting blue jeans, white printed top and teamed with a hot pink jacket she sauntered in on time. Sujit Kharate, the pleasant and amiable F & B Manager greeted us and we occupied a cosy table on the periphery of the glass façade. We liked the bright and bouncy ambience of the restaurant which exuded a positive charm. Pineapple Cooler, Soups (Cream of Chicken and Spicy Veg Noodles) and starters (Chicken and Grilled Potato in spicy sauce) were brought to the table and the starters were scrumptious and tasty. Having known Delnaaz (and Rajeev too) for a long time, we had looked forward to catch up with each other. Would having a child saved her marriage with Rajeev Paul “May be yes,” she says. But now that is a thing of the past and letting bygones be bygones, I ask whether she would consider marrying again. The once-bitten-twice-shy lady clearly said, “As of now, marriage is revulsion to me. I am averse to remarrying and don’t think I will go into it.” Her mother and brothers are her strength and picking up her threads, not one to sit idle the ingenious and cheerful actor is as usual marching ahead, busy with her show Kehta Hai Dil Jee Le Zara on Sony TV where she plays Dilshaad, a comic character of a lively and vivacious Parsi. Besides she also does theatre where she says, “I get to play serious roles.” She confessed to being a foodie and it helped as we enthusiastically darted off to the buffet section which had a superb layout of Indian and global cuisines. Skipping all of the six veg and two non-veg salads, we headed straight to the mains consisting of a wide array of curries. While Delnaz preferred Hakka noodles and diced Chicken in Chilly Garlic sauce, I went with Veg Makhani, Aloo Chatpata and tandoori rotis. The buffet comprised some interesting North Indian delights like Papdi Tamatar and Paneer Lassoni, on the continental front it was baked Veg au Gratin, Pumpkin Steak in paprika sauce. Mixed Veg in green Thai curry and Basil Rice were simply irresistible and all the dishes lived up to our expectations. Delnaaz spotted her favorite dish of Goan curry and called for it on the table, with steamed rice. She had rooted for Sangram Singh to win Bigg Boss 7 and was obviously disappointed. Talking about participating in any other reality show, she gushes, “I would love to do Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.” On that note we head to the dessert counter that has an enticing display of pineapple jelly with pineapple mousse (eggless and low cal), cream caramel, tiramisu, kiwi pastry, choclate eclairs, beetroot halwa and malai sandwich. Our choice was Beetroot Halwa that was creamy and delicious and Chef Dhawan brought in his specialty of Paan Jamun – Gulab Jamun with paan filling – we relished the sweet ending with a digestive to boot. Wishing Delnaaz a Bright and Successful 2014! Rapid Fire with Delnaaz Irani Foodie? Fave cuisine….. junk food you can’t resist… Yes. Oriental. Sev Puris. Do you cook? No. Bigg Boss 6 or 7? BB 6 obviously. Who deserved to win in Bigg Boss 7? Sangram Singh. A reality show you would like to take part in… Jhalak Dikkhla Jaa. Single or dating? No comments (I take that as seeing someone but would not like to reveal). A cheesy pick-up line… Someone told me ‘gulabi aankhen jo teri dekhi, sharaabi yeh dil ho gaya’. You splurge on… are you brand conscious? Accessories, bags, shoes, jewellery…. No I am not brand conscious. You are paranoid about… Before leaving the house, I repeatedly check things like geyser and gas are switched off. Die-hard habit… I am a cleanliness freak. A habit you wish to kick… My crazy shopping habit. Your pet peeve.. Hypocrisy. Money, fame or love? Love definitely. Luxury to you is… Being able to sit back and not worry about the future. High point of your life… Not come as yet. Low point of your life… My divorce. One thing few people know about you… At night, I always have a diya in my bedroom….it offers me some kind of protection.