Mrunal Jain: An actor with a business acumen

Click on the pic to view slideshow I know the Jains of being shudh shakaharis (pure vegetarians), to the extent that they don’t even have onions and garlic. But in today’s times, the younger generation following these principles, are rare to come by. That justified my astonishment, when I was given to understand that my guest for the evening, television actor Mrunal Jain stays away from onions and garlic. I have watched the actor as the head strong yuppy in Bandini on NDTV Imagine and now performing with equal ease as the pious and devout Vishnu in Uttaran on Colors. I arranged for an 8.30 pm dinner at the newly launched Rajasthani thali restaurant Rasovara located in High Street Phoenix at Lower Parel. He had a schedule till 7.30 and was coming all the way from Andheri to Central Mumbai. With the Mumbai traffic situation in mind, I knew it was just not possible to go home, change and reach the venue at the appointed hour. To my surprise, the young and sprightly actor was late by only ten minutes and soon my curiosity was put to rest when he revealed that he came on his bike. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t have made it before 9.30 pm,” he avers. He is a do-it-yourself guy who believes in driving his car himself and going about things without taking much help from people around as he feels, “For little things, we become lazy and dependent on others. I prefer to do all my things myself.” Smart chap, I say! As we settle down, I observe the gleaming thali with katoris. Seasoned Masala Chaas and fresh lime soda are offered as welcome drinks. Soon a battery of waiters serve us green, sweet and garlic chutneys, mango pickle and chunda. Another shining plate with a banana leaf on it is placed on the bigger thali and starters like Sangam Dhokla, Paneer Tikki and Ragda Pattice appear with chutneys. Though the actor is a heavy duty health freak with eight packs to his credit, I goad him on to savour the delicious farsans and he relishes them. Khandani Rajdhani of Mirah Hospitality, to which group Rasovara belongs to, is the actor’s favourite joint and so trying out food here was a pleasure for all of us. Mrunal comes across as a confident and focused person and after a long conversation, I find him to have business running through his veins. Coming from a business family, a flair for acting lured him into participating in college events. He even took part in Gladrags’ Manhunt contest. The next logical step would be films and he is open to any role. ”But, it has to be meaty and central to the theme of the movie.” It was impressive to hear this young man talk of making wise investments. The cups are soon filled with subzis like Bhinda Chiriya, Mutter Paneer, Batata Punjabi, Marwadi Gatta and Moong Rasawala. Mrunal judiciously avoids the Punjabi items and goes for Marwadi and Gujarati dishes. Two varieties of Dal and Kadhi with a choice of Phulka, Rotla, Masala Puri and Khoba Roti are offered. A self-confessed foodie and a mama’s boy too, Mrunal loves sweets but it has been a while since he dug into one and is skeptical whether it will agree with his system. He bypasses Ghewar, Malpua with Rabdi but bites into a small piece of Malai Sandwich and has spoonfuls of Dry Fruit Basundi. At the end of this sumptuous thali meal, we are served Paan Shot in a shot glass besides meetha Paans and Mukhwas. After a heavy bhojan (meal), we take leave but not before conceding to the request of those around to have a few pictures taken with the good-looking actor.