A Mexican treat for macho Gaurav Chopraa

Click on the pic to view slideshow Amigos, Sanjay Kotian and Ashok Datwani’s recently opened Mexican diner at Versova, has a casual air about it with a sit-out area and an air-conditioned one for the conventional diners. Red and blue lights flash while you enjoy your meal with flavorful Margaritas. Mexican Margarita Bar with its extensive menu of soups, salads, appetizers and mains, I felt was apt for today’s guest. Just like the Mexicans, he too has a self-assured, tough, forceful and admirable image. Yes, it’s Mr. Raghuvendra Rathore of Uttaran, the mentor of Big Switch and the law-unto-himself Rangdhari – Gaurav Chopraa! The French journo of Leonardo di Caprio starrer Hollywood movie Blood Diamond once aspired to be a fashion designer which is evident in his sartorial sense as he arrives stylishly in a pair of jeans and a white tee under a beige suede jacket and a stole around his neck. After calling for drinks – an Iced Tea for me and Watermelon juice for Gaurav, I found most of the items mentioned as Picante on the menu. Soon the captain cleared my doubt by explaining Picante in Mexican meant very spicy. The first choice was Nachos of home-made corn tortilla chips topped with melted cheese, pico de gallo, jalapeno served with sour cream and salsa – truly creamy and delicious. Gaurav relished his Prawns Pincho that was cilantro and lime marinated prawn skewers served with fruit salsa and chipotle mayo. A devout fan of Jalapeno Poppers, I found its look and taste different at Amigos as whole jalapeno was stuffed with two types of cheese, coated with breadcrumbs and deep fried. One must try their Fajitas, Enchilladas, Tacos, Quesadillas and Burritos for the lip smacking cheese and sour cream with Tex-mex flavors. Did you know that a grad from NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology), Gaurav was always inclined towards acting and had done theatre. He is now hosting the fourth season of Big Switch on Bindass and also portrays the uncompromising character of Raghuvendra Pratap Rathore convincingly to the hilt. Besides, I have personally found Gaurav’s uncompromising demeanor lies in his eyes that are compelling and speak a thousand words even when his dialogues are limited to a few unyielding words. His glare is enough to freeze the most hard-core vamps and villains of TV soaps. A man who does things passionately which comes across in his powerhouse performances, be it Sandy of his debut TV serial Lavanya, the struggling actor of Dil Kya Chahta Hai, as an ardent dancer in Nach Baliye 2, a disciplinarian of a father in the reality show Pati, Patni aur Woh or the brotherly mentor of Big Switch, so does Gaurav extend his persona to his love life too. “Yes,” he lets me into a bit of his private world when I query if breaking relationships can cause pain, “because I am a person who does things passionately, it does affect me when a relationship breaks. Certain melodies we shared together, food we enjoyed or when I see the gifts given by her, I do feel a twinge.” That's the strong, reticent, in-depth persona of my fave actor and friend Gaurav! Gaurav will soon be seen in a Bollywood flick as a gun-toting cowboy errr see the Mexican connect…gangster in the title role of Rangdhari, a true story, where he is the law and the system, unfolding the upheaval that envelops it. We are sure this highly talented actor will have done immense justice to the role which any established star could have been approached for. After ringing the Margarita Bell which is a sign of having enjoyed the cantina food at Amigos, I wished Gaurav loads of success and happiness as he drove away stylishly in his swanky BMW!