Anuj Saxena relishes Rajashthani Food Fest at ITC Grand Central

Click on the pic to view slideshow “I never go to bed on a full stomach,” rued the health-conscious, multi-faceted persona, Anuj Saxena as that’s (almost full stomach) precisely what ensued the evening we went out for dinner to Hornby’s Pavillion, the all-day dining of the 5 star hotel ITC Grand Central at Parel which was hosting Royal Rajasthani food festival with Master Chef Kailash Chand Meena’s vast and authentic repertoire. While I waited for my dinner date the doctor- industrialist-restaurateur- film/tv producer/actor, self-confessed maverick (that’s the name of his production house too), a dear friend and my personal favorite -Anuj Saxena- to arrive, Chef Kailash took me around the buffet counter. I was sipping on thandai when Anuj called to say he was in the lobby of the hotel. As I went to greet him, I noticed the suave gentleman looked dapper in jeans, a white waistcoat on blue-white checkered shirt and snuff-colored suede designer shoes. I have known Anuj since his Kkusum days, visited his house and attended his wedding, all the events, launches and mata ki chowkis every year. In a way, I would credit Anuj as being the catalyst of this Eating Out with Stars column for it was at the success party of his production houses’ Devyani serial where I met Anil Wanvari (CEO of Indiantelevision.com and Tellychakkar.com) and this column crystallized. Interesting appetizers like Aloo Mooli Mogri Ka Bhuji and Charro Aloo Hari Mirch with mint chutney were brought on the table. Anuj went for Mojitho and I for my regular fruit punch. We loved the unique flavor of powdered lentils used in Mangodi and Papad. Munching on the starters, I delved into Anuj’s personal life which he sweetly revealed, “I am single and yes I am open to marriage but it is not so easy to come across the right person.” He has tried arranged match once and the marriage failed, so is it once bitten twice shy? I ask and we laughed over his observation, “Once bitten, always shy!” The globe-trotting Anuj is a voracious reader and reads books from three genre simultaneously (management, medical and fiction) at any given point of time, “There are 3 books at my bedside. I used to be a huge Jackie Collins fan during my younger days,” confessed the gentleman who eventually got drawn towards Eric Segal and serious stuff as he grew up. The drink arrived late and Anuj was quick to notice that it was not served in its usual glass. Throwing more light on Rajasthani food combo, Chef Kailash asked us to try Dal, Bati and Churma which I did while Anuj tried Murgh Ka Mukul and Laal Maas. Missi rotis tasted great with Murg Khada Masala and Ker Sangri. All along the health freak complained of over-eating. Still I managed to make him take a bite from the lavish spread at dessert counter – much against his wishes, he tasted his favourite Chocolate pastry and mousse. Anuj genuinely relished the Rajasthani spread and he thanked the Chef for the wonderful dinner. Before leaving my curiosity got the better of me as I prodded the handsome guy with “Are you living in with someone?” and he said, “Yes – I live with my four canines!” On that note I accepted his invitation to his new home as I saw him off. Memories of an excellent evening spent in the distinguished company of Anuj Saxena will remain with me forever!