Anoop Soni's gastronomic dastak

Click on the pic to view slideshow He is either playing the supportive father-in-law Bhairav Singh in Balika Vadhu or is seen alerting viewers of the crimes taking place in our country and urges us to follow safety measures. I am referring to my good friend Anoop Soni whose show Crime Patrol on Sony Entertainment Television is so popular that my interaction with viewers from different strata of society has made me realize the fact that people are not into watching just fiction or reality shows but are keen to safeguard themselves against potential offenders. At the very outset Anoop told me the preferred location would be Andheri, he is a light eater and especially a full-fledged dinner is out of question. Keeping this in mind, I looked out for a café-type eatery and I liked the recently opened PICO Express at Lokhandwala, Andheri. They serve a discerningly selected international menu and sell gourmet packaged foods of the highest quality under the PICO brand, which the company manufactures under international-standard hygienic conditions. Ideal for a health freak I thought. As I waited for the actor, I took in the items displayed in the place. It is actually more of a take-away joint but also has a seating inside and a few tables outside. As Anoop joined me in a few minutes, I congratulated him on becoming a third-time father (he has two daughters), this time around to baby Imam. I was eager to know if he carried a picture of the infant in his handset and to know if he resembled Anoop or his wife Juhi (Babbar). To which he rightly countered, “At this stage all kids look alike. You cannot say on which parent he has taken for his looks.” And no, he did not have the baby’s picture either. We called for a chicken lasagne, sandwiches and cappuccino. I informed Anoop the advantage of eating at PICO – all items here are nutritionally balanced, made with fresh produce while retaining the taste. He savoured the sandwich but only picked on the lasagna. He shared that he is open to participating in reality shows but would love to judge a show. He is passionate about Crime Patrol which he said, “Trust me all the episodes are authentic and we try to put it to the notice of the organizations concerned for proper action. On queried about a similar show on another channel, he is upbeat as he observed, “It is an exact copy of ours. But then it is good that people get to watch more such shows and be alert.” I loved the cashew tofu rice here and I suggested he try penne pesto and spicy noodles too but Anoop avoided over-eating. The desserts on offer were the yummy cheesecakes, chocolate cake, mud pie and more bakery items. Again Anoop did not seem to have a sweet tooth, so we left it at that. After some personal photographs, Anup made a quick exit as he had to report for shooting for Crime Patrol at Goregoan. I have always known Anoop as a shy, contended person who keeps to himself, focused on his work and ambitious to the right extent. I wish him all the best for a bright life ahead!!!