Eclectic dinner with Gaurav Gera at Peninsula

Check the slideshow above Call him Laddoo of Life Nahin Hai Laddoo or the geeky Nandu from Jassi Jaisa Koi Nahin; he has made a mark as a comedian, hosted comedy shows like Hans Baliye, The Great Indian Comedy Show and also acted in more than half-a dozen Hindi movies. Presently he is seen on Colors Channel playing the title role of the sitcom…. Again call him Mrs Pammi Pyarelal or Param or the funster Gaurav Gera. We meet for dinner at the multi-cuisine restaurant Peninsula at Peninsula The Grand, Saki Naka. FnB Mgr Shahid and Prakash Kotian welcome Gaurav as I voice my first observation of the actor having lost a lot of weight from the time I had seen him earlier, he attributes it to his stage show Jhumroo while I thought it was Mrs Pammi Pyarelal. After exchanging pleasantries, we settle into the cozy chairs of Peninsula whose wooden ethnic beam ceiling, niches with artifacts, subdued lighting and the entire décor is captivating. Manager Terence presents us with a huge Roomali Pappad garnished with onion, masalas and coriander leaves and Virgin Pinacolada – Gaurav especially liked the drink with its arrangement in real scooped-up pineapple instead of the customary glass. From then on it is the staff’s typical hospitality which kept our taste buds on a roller coaster ride with the chatpata Chinese Bhel – here again presentation competes with flavor as besides the tangy sweet zing of the bhel, it is presented in a fried noodle nest and you are supposed to eat it whole along with the nest which my guest thoroughly enjoyed. Few know that the actor flies to Delhi every weekend for his stage show Jhumroo. I want to know what it is all about and Gaurav elucidates, “Jhumroo is a musical comedy on stage (a la Broadway musical), a complete celebration of Kishore Kumar which takes place at Kingdom of Dreams – a tourist attraction in Gurgaon.” Produced by Viraf Sarkari of Wizcraft, it is big on entertainment with the show going on from a scene to a song. Gaurav apart from dancing and acting, also does stunts like flying 50ft above the ground (of course in a harness) and as Gaurav says, “It’s a huge success running for over 1 ? year now. As our set is on a grand scale, we cannot travel but we have people from all over come to witness this visual treat.” Another plus is, he gets to be with his parents who live in Gurgaon. By now our plates are filled with one after another of the exotic starters – Paneer Garlic Chilly, Mix Pakodas, Veg salt n pepper, Paneer Tikka Kalimirch and Gaurav who can cook well relishes the fare. Now I tried Strawberry Mint Julip while Gaurav went with Mojito. Yes, the vegetarian Punjabi loves South Indian cuisine and can make sambar, idlis right from preparing the batter. Over main course of Subzi Dobara (two layered gravy), melt-in-the-mouth Paneer Chatpata, buttery Dal Makani, Roti Ki Tokri and Jeera Rice, I delve into Mrs Pammi Pyarelal’s rumored lifting off the air to which he said, “I am not aware of it. But I absolutely enjoy doing the show.” I understand it could become a weekly affair. The talented actor keeps away from media limelight, preferring to instead concentrate on exploring his forte, that of doing differential roles and experimenting with technology, as he reveals, “I am a gizmo freak. I love trying out varied things with chroma and split screen.” We realize it’s time for the sweet finale when Terence appeared with Peninsula’s specialty sweet called Madhur Milan – a yummilicious baked dessert consisting of Boondi, Angoori Jamuns and Rabdi. And Gaurav’s reaction was, “My jeans has become tight at the waist with all this binging.” With that we give our thumbs up to Peninsula food and hospitality before we bid goodbye to each other! RAPID FIRE QS WITH GAURAV GERA Your fave show.. Bigg Boss! Only to watch, never to take part. A reality show you would like to be a part of… Jhalak Dikkhla Jaa. Success to you is…. Anil Ambani. Your pet peeve… Lies. A Hindi film actor you would like to be in the shoes of…. Irrfan Khan. What attracts you most in a woman? Her eyes. First thing you observe in a woman… I can’t reveal…(then quickly adds).. eyes. (Naughty, Naughty!) A quality your spouse should possess… Artistic trait... be it classical music, dance, painting – anything art related. Your idea of fun…. Sleep … because sleep is at a premium for daily soap actors. Most annoying rumour about yourself… I am linked with anyone I am seen with. So, are you single or dating? Very much single now! (which means he was in a relationship) Your fave co-star Mona Singh. 5 years down the line, you see yourself as… Very happy! May be as a property dealer…(laughs) One thing that nobody knows about you… I am very impulsive…. And no I have not regretted being one!