Binging on burgers with Nikkhil Chaddha

Check the slideshow above I was going to meet Nikkhil Chaddha - the pampered, only child who had turned an actor on television with serials like Matru Pitha ke Charnon mein Swarag, Apnon ke liye Geeta ka Dharamyudh, Miley Jab Hum Tum, and currently the highly successful and the second most popular show on Zee TV Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke. Though Nikkhil’s preferred food is sizzlers, I had to rush to attend Zee TV’s DID press con, so a snacky evening was arranged. Our meeting point happened to be a burger joint called Burgs located in R City Mall, LBS road, Ghatkopar, with branches at Bandra, Andheri (E & W) and Pune. The bright orange décor and the smiling Manager Swapnil Salvi of the eatery welcome and usher us to our table in the corner. Being opposite Kidzania in the mall, it is natural to find the place majorly occupied by kids with their mommies chomping on their favorite burgers and slurping on sweet smoothies. Burgs serves only burgers but puts up a good 20 varieties of them in veg and non-veg options. As we place the order for BBQ Lamb, Exotica with Peach Iced Tea and Burnt Caramel drinks, the topic veers towards his current role on Zee TV show. With many twirls and spins, the story of Sapne Suhane… is interesting for the young actor enthuses, “It has offered me a chance to portray several emotions from grey to romantic to sometimes funny, all in one show. I love dancing and Sapne Suhane… has given me an opportunity and I have danced a lot in it.” We relish the delicate lamb patty with a special homemade BBQ sauce in BBQ burger and bell pepper stuffed with cheese, topped with tomato, Spanish onion and balsamic reduction glaze in Exotica burger. Wanting to try the Corn Chaos, I get a sweetness in every bite as the grilled patty is made of honey spiced corn kernels. Asli Indian burger did not live up to our expectations. Besides, we felt the burgers could have been a tad bigger in size. The ice cream shakes were delightful, especially Classic Chocolate and Burnt Caramel. A sports lover, the actor has played cricket in Pakistan, flew with Jet Airways for six months but found his calling in acting which has always been his first love. Besides sizzlers and sweets, the cleft-chinned actor loves Maa ke haath ka khana and she prepares excellently and a different chicken dish every day for her laaadla beta. He is also a Saibaba devotee as he reveals, “I take my Mom to Shirdi every year for Saibaba’s darshan. Besides, I also have Ganeshji come home every year.” Camera is the best friend for this shy and introvert guy. “I take time to open up and make friends. But in front of the camera I can turn completely into the character I am essaying without any inhibitions.” A self-confessed shopaholic, Nikhhil splurges on good clothes, shoes, perfumes and cars are another passion. “Shopping is a stress buster for me,” he feels. Despite having a sweet tooth, he refrains from sweets as he puts it, “Once I start biting into a sweet, I just can’t stop at one or two. So, I try and keep away from it.” He tries Prawn Cracker burger where the patty is fried crackling crisp and topped with a tangy jalapeno mayo and lemon zest sauce. Talking about the insecurities of television actors and back-up plans, he says, “When people think about back-up plans, it means they are not sure about themselves. Competition exists everywhere. If you have faith in yourself you can go places.” Atta boy, that’s what I call confidence with willpower. And I can envisage Nikkhil is determined to go a long way. Rapid fire Q’s with Nikkhil Fave Tv show besides Sapne Suhane Ladakpan ke? Comedy Nights with Kapil (Colors). Serials or anchoring? Acting is my first love. Reality shows u wish to do… Khatron ke Khiladi (a big NO for Bigg Boss). Single or dating? I have female friends but no steadies. Your pick-up line… Never had the opportunity… I am lucky to have girls hit on me. First thing you notice in a woman… Her eyes. Your pet peeve (s)… Show offism..fake attitude. Health regimen… I am a health buff… cardio, gymming are a must. One habit you wish to change… Laziness… One passionate hobby.. I love dancing. Your fave Bollywood actor… Ranbir Kapoor for his body of work. Your dream machine… I am crazy about cars and it is has to be BMW X6. One thing that nobody knows about you… I am a shopaholic. Your stressbuster… Shopping and food.