Eating out with Roshni Chopra

Check the slideshow above Lissome, stylish, perky, elegant – these are the kind of adjectives that come to my mind whenever I think of Roshni Chopra and the stylish lady did not disappoint me either when I met her over a Sunday barbeque spread at Splash, on the fourth level of an equally chic venue -The Westin, Goregoan. As my lovely guest walked towards me in sunglasses, flowing hair, off-white cotton jumper shorts with tanned wedges lending a flirty air to the poolside setting. The weather was just right for a bbq brunch – breezy, bright yet softly lit up with sun’s gentle rays (conducive for good pictures) and as we sat under a garden umbrella, close to the poolside bar that whipped up some interesting herbal drinks, cocktails and more, I learnt quite a few things about the Delhiite who has done her Masters in Communication, worked with Seagram where she handled and initiated quite a few successful events for Blender’s Pride. Roshni is a non-veg-turned veg because of a couple of reasons; “Eight years back, once when travelling outstation with friends, we decided to have lunch at a dhaba en route. While waiting for our order, I just happened to saunter to the rear of the dhaba and there I saw them butchering a chicken. That’s it…I just couldn’t have the dish.” Besides she practices yoga and to maintain a svelte figure, are the other causes that contribute to her vegetarianism. Despite all those temptalicious mocktails, Roshni settled for fresh lime juice. Platefuls of barbequed veggies and paneer marinated in different sauces of mustard, bbq sauce and teriyaki made way to our table. The intensity of the zest was lingering and we loved every bite of broccoli, bell peppers, mushroom, baby potatoes and cottage cheese. A light salad to go with our barbecued veggies helped maintain the balance. The sports anchor loves spicy food and as per her specification that’s precisely what her wok tossed oriental dish contained – bird chilies (a variety of Thai chili known for its hot-tasting pod). She is a good cook and can wrap up a scrumptious burrito or a mean Thai green curry. The friendly Asst. General Manager Nishant Agarwal joined us and after learning Roshni’s comfort food is chaat, he made sure we were served chaats like Paani puris, dahi puris and dahi vadas. About weight watching, Nishant said jokingly, these were olive oil fried, no-fat yoghurt and we pigged out. Roshni has been approached to participate in Bigg Boss several times and her answer has always been a ‘Never’! Another reality show she can’t be a part of even if she wishes to, is Fear Factor/Khatron ke Khiladi – “I have reptile phobiaaaa”. Veering towards the subject of marriage and her husband Siddharth Anand Kumar who she vouches is the best, “In fact after Jaiveer’s birth, I was skeptic about doing a show. But it was my husband who encouraged me to take up and my child used to accompany me, along with the nanny of course, on my shoots,” she beams. Who is domineering of the two? “Sid says it’s me,” starts the sweet lady and ends it with, “Now it is Jaiveer.” One quality she adores is a sense of humour and her husband has it in plenty, “Even when we fight, he knows how to make me laugh.” Her most prized possession is the heirloom jewellery (from both sides). She is such a shopping buff that according to Siddharth, “I can be marooned in an island with no shops yet I will find something to buy.” Can you imagine this trendy and stylish actor even enjoys grocery shopping! A cheesy pick-up line she finds exasperating is from….. “No, I am not saying who”….. ‘You should have had a swayamvar for your marriage – I would have definitely won.’ And this coming after a couple of years after her marriage to Siddharth and she wonder how anyone can be so confident to say such a cheeky thing when she has not shown any interest in him. Another very intriguing thing about this globe-trotter is, “Whenever I travel, I spend the first two hours nesting in hotel rooms.” Nesting? She further adds, “I carry my own hangars, candles and other knick-knacks to create a home-like feel. Once while holidaying in Turkey I lighted candles in my room and the smoke alarm went off.” But this did not deter her from continuing with her nesting exploits. Roshni skipped desserts and asked for Chinese tea, half way through which she realized she was late for another meeting, took leave of us and dashed away. Having known this wonderful person since her Kasam Se days, the brunch with Roshni Chopra was a special one for me! Rapid fire questions with Roshni Chopra A food lover? Very Much! Fave cuisine? All oriental. You can confidently cook… Burrito and Thai Green curry Reality shows? Yes…if it is JDJ. High point of your life.. Winning Desi Girl. Low point ….. Feeling physically unfit sometime last year, Your pet peeve… Show-offs. Your kinda man should possess… Sense of humour (which husband Siddharth has in plenty I believe). Your idea of luxury…. Travelling to exotic destinations and lifestyle in general. Love, money or fame… LOVE!!!. Shopaholic? Brand conscious? Yes. Branded items in the sense I am more quality conscious and don’t mind paying for it. If not an actor… A media person. One thing few know about you… That while travelling I carry my own hangars, candles and other paraphernalia to use at the hotels I stay in.