Banarasi Babu Beera at Hi-Tide

Check out the slideshow above I am at The Resort, an enchanting property in Madh-Marve, a splendid getaway, especially during monsoon when the lush landscaped greenery of its lawns with a heady combination of good food and ambience, set the mood for a romantic dinner. I am excited as my dinner date is the young and handsome Siddharth Arora, at Hi-Tide restaurant that offers a splendid view of waves lashing at Aksa beach. If I say I met the qualified Banarsi Babu Siddharth Arora, aka frivolous Beera of Na Bole Tum Season 2 (NBT)… on Colors channel, I am not wrong. Guess why? The good-looking actor hails from Benaras (the act comes naturally), is a vegetarian and an MBA who at the start of his career worked as a Relationship Manager with a bank. When did the acting bug bite him? “My first love is acting and I did plays in school,” expounds Siddharth, adding, “as education was a priority at home, I completed it and took up a job in Mumbai.” He was lucky to get his break with Mukti Bandhan on Colors channel, where he essayed the character of a reticent Vaibhav. If you missed him between Mukti Bandhan and NBT, Siddharth was busy honing his acting talent under the able guidance of Mahesh Dattani and he also did theatre with him. As he hates coming home to nobody, the one to cheer him up when he returns from a long shoot is his canine companion Poppins. “I love adventure sports and travelling, though am scared of heights. Just got back from some water sports at Kolad and am planning to visit Masai Mara,” reveals the health freak, who looks really trim in a blue figure-hugging tee and jeans. He regularly exercises, downs supplements and is careful about his diet. Though with me, it became his ‘cheat day’, as I made him savour the mouth-watering array of dishes from Hi-Tide’s buffet spread. Starting with chilly paneer, chatpata chaat, a plate of bhajias and pakoras, we enjoyed the pitter-patter of raindrops outside the glass windows. Over refreshing watermelon juice I tried to find out more about this interesting guy from Benaras. Between mouthfuls of soft rotis, delicious baingan bhartha, crisp bhendi kurkure and panchamael dal, we discussed the actor’s future plans. If you thought Siddharth would be content being an actor, think again! He aims to join politics at some time and his idols are Arvind Kejriwal and Narendra Modi. It is high time our parliament housed a charming and clean politician. After a sweet finale of juicy rossogollas, gajar ka halwa, blackforest cake and scoops of strawberry ice cream, we did a recce of the spa and gym facilities of The Resort. It was a great evening what with the enthralling atmosphere of The Resort coupled with the company of captivating Siddharth. And then it was time for the Rapid Fire session which the actor did without blinking an eyelid. Rapid Fire Qs: Your fave Hindi serial… Na Bole Tum… (obviously) Vaibhav or Beera…. Both…. But Beera is special as it allowed me to portray a gamut of emotions from negative to, comedy, to romantic. Does casting couch exist in the TV industry… I don’t think it exists. Success to you is…. Aamir Khan. Making your parents proud and happy Luxury to you is…… Having enough money to spend on what you like and yet be able to save. Money, fame or love… Fame – it is a driving force in life A reality show you would love to do… Jhalak Dikhhla Ja One quality your kind of woman should possess… Simplicity in thoughts and good looks The first thing you notice in a woman… The way she talks and her eyes Are you single… Very much and not ready to mingle as career is my priority now Your pet peeve….. Fakeness The advantage of being an actor….. Recognition and respect If not an actor…… A struggling actor! One thing only a few know about you…… I am a very emotional person A word/phrase you often use…. I don’t know (is what he uses) Your motto in life….. Do good work and become famous