Food for thought with Rajesh Khera at Gusto

Check the slideshow above Frank, honest, in your face, off-beat…..these are some of the adjectives that come to mind when you think of this actor who has left an impression in whichever role he has portrayed on television be it Maddy of Jaissi Jaisi Koi Nahin or the more recent character of a drag queen of a fashioner designer in Aasmaan se Aage. I am referring to Rajesh Khera whom I met over lunch at Gusto Kitchen & Bar in Andheri. Over soup of Roasted Pepper, we spoke about his latest foray into theatre – he is acting in a play called Knock, Knock! Hindi adaptation of Anthony Shaffer’s English play Sleuth. Rajesh is excited as he says, “This play is a gift from my friend Hasan (Zaidi who is a TV actor and his co-actor in the play). I had given up doing theatre after a fiasco…… in my earlier stint some years back I just went blank on stage. I was very hesitant to do theatre again but Hasan convinced me.” Sleuth was adapted more than a decade ago called Khel with Paresh Rawal and Naseeruddin Shah which received accolades. “I was skeptic but am now thrilled that after its debut show it has garnered 5 star reviews in leading papers,” enthuses Khera who was going through a rainy period in his acting career on TV. The play has come as a breath of fresh air and he is enthusiastic as he shares his feelings. The assorted bell peppers and tomatoes combine to make a warm, soothing soup was just right for December weather. We go on to order the mains and it is Fish Paprikad rice served with flavored rice and sauteed veggies for Rajesh and Penne Pasta for me. Though he is not a foodie, he admits to being a good cook and even goes on to familiarize me with bassa fish which he says is from Thailand. By now Sujay Joshi, the affable owner joins us and is happy to know we were enjoying the fare at Gusto which will soon be serving Oriental as well as North Indian cuisines to cater to a wider clientele. I tried the Classic Margherita Pizza but it was devoid of basil or tomatoes and came with scanty cheese. As we relish our food, I understand that Rajesh is happy doing theatre when he says, “Film directors give more respect to stage actors. By doing theatre you rub shoulders with the right kind of people.” About TV shows, he is prepared if offered an intriguing role but he rues the fact that one tends to get typecast after one successful show. Having been a part of Survivor, he is even open to reality shows. Yoga is the secret of the trim look which he has maintained; he is such a loyal friend that he has a problem saying NO and has had his share of affairs and heartbreaks but has the integrity to not speak about them. It’s time for the finale of Belgium Chocolate Cake to appear but Rajesh not being blessed with sweet tooth, passes it on to me after a bite. I wish him and his play a roaring success and promise to watch its next show. Rapid Fire Qs with Rajesh: Foodie… No but I can cook. Cuisine…. Indian tandoori. Can confidently cook…. Mutton masala. Single or dating… Right now single. Your pick-up line… None. I am too shy. Pet peeve… Hypocrisy. Your poison… Rum. Gizmos or vehicle freak… Not gizmos but love fast cars and four-wheel drives. Idea of fun… Adventure sports Your fitness secret… Yoga. One thing no one knows about you…. I am very emotional and cry while watching poignant movies.