With Charismatic Khattars at Asia 7

Click on the pic to view slideshow If you have watched the Hindi versions of Hollywood chartbusters like Pirates of the Caribbean, 2012, Skyfall, Shrek, Spiderman, Salt, Tourist and many more, you cannot fail to recognize the resonating voice behind lead artists like Johnny Depp, Tom Hanks, Bradley Cooper, Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Cage – yes it is Bollywood actor Rajesh Khattar and his wife Vandana Sajnani who were my guests for the week at the classy oriental restaurant Asia 7 at Hi Street Phoenix in Parel (Mumbai). Rajesh had 5 recent releases including Hum Tum Shabana , a cameo in Karan Johar's Ek Main Aur Ek Tu and finally we got to witness him as a robust Punjabi police officer in Khiladi 786. While his better half, a renowned theatre personality, award winning theatre actress and theatre producer and director who is really excited as 2013 completes a decade of Vandana’s acclaimed and successful theatre production and event company 'Moksh Creations'. Vandana after shedding a lot of weight was radiant and her black-n-white cobweb designed short dress was fashionably set off with a tan colored shrug. Her glow has another reason too… recently Vandana shot the first ever Disney channel tele film- Luck Luck ki Baat. Rajesh looked smart in jeans and coat combo with a half-way unbuttoned peach shirt. The pair walked stylishly into the restaurant and Chef Dileep along with Chef Chow Man gave us a warm welcome. We headed to the semi-circular table reserved for us. The restaurant interiors sported wooden slats, traditional Chinese red backlit walls, glasses and red rotating disc on the table. After spending the better part of his 30 years, honing the skill and perfecting the art of cooking Hunanise, Cantonese and Sichuan cuisines, Chef Chow Man’s pursuit to introduce people to the fabulous and varied cuisine from the Land of the Imperial brought him to India. An artist, who invents, explores, eliminates before he divulges his culinary symphony – presenting a remarkable dish from the Orient with Chow Man’s rampant imagination. We started with delectable Dimsums, Spare ribs and Chicken with dry chilli, Sichuan pepper and soy that was a tad too spicy. This was followed by Manchow soup and imitated shark fin, poached chicken soup on Chef’s recommendation. While Rajesh went with the watermelon based signature drink, Vandana sipped on Cosmopolitan and I opted for vodka-based Caprioska. “I have a great line up of movies in 2013,” reveals Rajesh talking about Race 2 followed by NFDC production’s Manjunath based on a true story. By now our main course of Steamed whole Red Snapper with black fungus, Five Spice roasted chicken, stir fried noodles were presented. Preserved Tofu & Egg was a preparation of fresh silken tofu and eggs dipped in a flavorful master blend. I also learn that his company Wide Span Entertainment involved in production, creatives and events did various tie ups for their clients with companies of Sussane Roshan, Shilpa Shetty and is also involved in product placement in movies like "Heroine" and engaging Kareena Kapoor as the brand ambassador as well. While Vandana, known to launch a new play every year with numerous shows all over India and worldwide with a successful number of almost all plays having a 100 plus shows run, might start with a light hearted laugh riot as her debut cinematically too. At the moment she has also confirmed an international project too as an actress which will start soon. “We agree to disagree” seemed to be the couple’s agenda for the day (rather evening) as they sweetly opposed their spouse without getting into a tiff. On being asked who starts the fight first, both pointed at each other, a classic case of disagreement! And what is on Vandana’s most desired wish list for the New Year, I ask? Pat comes the rejoinder from Rajesh, “She would like to catch me red-handed with another woman,” sending me into peals of laughter. Though Vandana’s request for Chinese tea remained unrequited as our harmless gossiping session went beyond their kitchen operating hours, we ended our pleasant meeting with Banana Toffee with ice cream and I went home knowing more good things about this wonderful couple!