Sumona says, "CI GUSTA!"

Click on the pic to view slideshow Ci gusta in Italian means ‘we like it’ and that was exactly our reaction after a pleasant and delectable meal at Ci Gusta outlet in Waterfield Road, Bandra. I am talking about my guest, the vivacious Sumona Chakravarty aka Natasha or Nuts of Bade Achche Lagte Hain (BALH) on Sony Television. She came in a simple sea-green dress sans make-up. After the formalities, we sat down to enjoy the vibes of this cafe-like eatery that served dishes from various parts of Italy, the irresistible gelatos, flavored yoghurt and sinful shakes. With the lushness of Italian cuisine varying in different states, this full-fledged café offers a well-rounded menu starting with breakfast items like toasts, waffle slam, omelettes served till 11.30am and going on to pizzas, pastas, risottos and sandwiches, not to forget the gelatos and flavored yoghurts. Sumona liked the first order of bbq chicken with mustard garlic dressing in Rucolo Con Balsimico Pollo salad while I enjoyed Insalata Greca of feta cheese, herb and Italian dressing. Talk of strawberry yoghurt gelato which was yummy and when I offered a bite to the actor, she revealed her allergy to strawberries. There have been occasions when she has thrown up or fainted due to the luscious red fruit. “I will never go to Mahabaleshwar nor celebrate Valentine’s Day,” she says. Once while she stood in the queue to submit a college form, the girl in front of her sprayed herself with a perfume that had strawberry fragrance which hit Sumona as she was right behind her. “The next moment, I am flat on the floor. Yes, I am that allergic.” And she is not a sweet lover at all! I guess Ram Kapoor’s appetite has not rubbed off on her as I noticed Sumona is a light eater as she picked on our main course of Ci Gusta Arrabiata and avoided juices or milk shakes, “I am not fond of sweets. People at home say I am a Bong by default,” she laughs. She mingles with only three people on the sets of BALH, who are Ram Kapoor, Tarana and Jai Kalra. “Otherwise, all my friends are from my school or corporate,” she avers. Did you know Sumona has worked in reception of ITC Grand Central hotel, suffers from OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) of cleanliness, “My dresser has cosmetics and things in order and no one can change them. I often keep wiping and cleaning the table and other things in my reach, just can’t stand untidiness,” she grimaces. Her dream man is George Clooney. For person who is never star struck, she cites instances like, “Whenever we watch Ocean’s Eleven or its sequels at home, I never concentrate on the storyline but just gaze at George Clooney.” As for Indian actors, she is very fond of Sharmila Tagore for her grace and dignity. Reality shows, she wouldn’t mind Jhalak and Khatron ke Khiladi “I have an adventure streak in me.” Since Sumona does not have a sweet tooth, we asked for Cookie Crunch but our host Sachin of Ci Gusta insisted we have a sweet crepe that looked absolutely delicious and divine. According to Sumona, this is the year of Bongs in Bollywood as many Bong directors have made it big and yes, she too wants to do a Bengali movie! She is single so I ask her about marriage and she is quick to clarify “Not for another ten years at least.” On that note I wish her a long and successful career!