Lunching with the lovely and gracious Sakshi Tanwar at Westin

Check the slideshow above This was a long-awaited and looked-forward-to meeting of mine with Sakshi Tanwar, arguably the most talented, revered and elusive actor of the small screen who has essayed varied characters convincingly; anchored Crime Patrol and currently seen as protagonist on the hugely popular show Bade Achhe Lagte Hain (BALH) on Sony Entertainment Television which is watched by even the male members in families. She is the most sought after TV actor to model for commercials as her persona lends credibility to the products she endorses. Lunching with her at Seasonal Tastes, the plush all-day dining of The Westin in Goregoan, Mumbai, was a highlight besides getting to know and discuss topical issues with the ‘thinking man’s actor. Dressed in smart casuals, she arrived at the appointed hour and I found she had absolutely no airs, as she obliged her incessant fans with autographs and photographs while I led her to the buffet counters. Of course, she had warned me that she was a light eater and not at all a foodie, preferring to have small portions of home-cooked meals at short intervals; I persisted on taking her around the lavish buffet comprising Continental, Oriental and Indian spread at Seasonal Tastes. Restaurant Manager Dashwijith Pattali served us a delicious drink called Herbal Flair which was a healthy blend of fresh fruit juices of orange, pineapple, lytchee with an infusion of mint and honey. Sakshi preferred hers at room temperature as her throat was prone to get affected on consuming cold things which she religiously avoids. With Janmashtami just celebrated, Sakshi gets busy since she observes all the festivals with fervor, as she reveals, “I observed a fast on Janmashtami. I have two brass idols of Lord Krishna – a sitting Gopala and a crawling one. Polishing them, decorating the jhoola with silk drapes, arranging more pank (peacock feather), mukuts… I get so busy with the preparations and then it is time for puja late in the evening including performing abhishek (anointing) with 5 items (curd, honey, chandan, milk, Ganges water) and only after offering milk and bhog to the Lord I break my fast.” Though a Rajput, the actor is a pure vegetarian and we settled for Indian cuisine, trying a bit of Mixed Subzi, Paneer Makhwala, Palak Mutter Makhana and Dal Tadka with rotis. The subject veered towards women’s safety in Mumbai in view of the recent gang rape incident and Sakshi got charged up citing instances where instead of nabbing the culprits in the initial stages (like stalking, eve teasing) itself to punish them, the police waits for gruesome things to happen to take action and even then, she rues the fact that, “There is no stringent law to act as a deterrent for these horrendous perpetrators and they go scot free setting an example for future offenders. Basically, men should be gender sensitized and this should begin from home, something which is badly lacking in our country.” You rarely give interviews. Why are you so elusive? “I am not interested in those snippets talking about my vacations, latest acquisitions and such silly stuff. There should be some mystery…. Personally, I feel the media and public should not know each and every move of mine. Acting is my profession and what I am or do after completing my job is my private life,” she says. She loves reading novels by Shivani and Mohan Rathi, takes off on mini getaways with friends, even on international holidays she carries dry nibbles and lives on bread and butter (she cannot eat if non-vegetarian aroma pervades her table) and entertains her Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki friends at home; if she can’t resist the ubiquitous North-Indian dish of aloo mutter, Sakshi narrates the story behind it: “When my mother was pregnant with me, she had this craving for aloo mutter and just before she went into labour, she made sure of having the subzi before going to the hospital. That could explain my love for aloo mutter.” On the sweet front, Sakshi likes Indian mithais but resists them and from the massive dessert spread of halwa, rasmalai, barfis, pastries, mousses, tiramisu, panacotta, cr?me brulee and more at Seasonal Tastes, she opts for a simple Apple Crumble. We wind up our pleasant lunch session and on the way out, the down-to-earth actor is again flocked by fans, this time a group of Germans, resident guests at The Westin who astonished us by recognizing her with the revelation that they watch BALH whenever they are in India. On that note, I see her off as her decorous and dignified presence leaves me with a positive feeling! Rapid Fire Qs: Are you a foodie or gourmet? None. I am happy with regular ghar ka khaana. Even while shooting I carry my own food. Your preferred cuisine? Very basic vegetarian Indian khana. We are roti eaters and have rice and rajma on weekends. Can you cook? Yes… I find cooking therapeutic. I can make the most round phulkas and cook all the homely food that I consume … but nothing exotic. Your comfort dish… Aloo mutter. I simply love it and can have it anytime. Are you a very health conscious eater? I eat at regular intervals because if I remain hungry for long, it triggers mood swings. Your pet peeve… Lies. Your fave holiday destination… Europe. Your stress buster… Listening to music and reading. Your idea of fun… If time permits catch a film with friends. With more time on hand, I travel to nearby getaways with friends. Who are your friends from the industry? I am in touch with most of my Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki co-stars. Your secret to success…. God has a plan for everyone .... and if we are able to execute His plans with sincerity, honesty and dedication, anyone can succeed in his/her chosen field. One thing that nobody knows about you… I am a very light sleeper. I almost soundproof my bedroom because even the slightest of noise can wake me up.