Gushing Gunjan (Roopal Tyagi) at Baywatch

Click on the slideshow above I like actors who are chatty…you see, they are more open about their relationships and do not hesitate to speak their heart out instead of resorting to sitting-on-the-fence responses. Roopal Tyagi with a disarming smile is almost like her on-screen character Gunjan on Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke on Zee TV – bubbly, cheerful and rooted. Meeting her over dinner at Baywatch, a restaurant ensconced at Madh-Marve spectacular getaway called The Resort, was fun as we exchanged notes on almost everything. This Bangalore-based young girl trained to be a choreographer under Pony Verma and assisted in a few movies down south where she witnessed the underbelly of film industry as it dealt with female aspirants. Sans make-up, simple yet elegant, Roopal garnered several stares from guests seated at other tables in this posh restaurant, as we went to the buffet counter. Which says a lot about her popularity as Gunjan for she says, “At least here, people are only gazing at you but in malls and public places fans insist they take pictures with me and older women pull my cheeks which is so embarrassing,” adding further, “if I am girlish and playful in the show, it doesn’t mean I am like that in real life.” Roopal loves Italian cuisine, can even cook and surprise, surprise! This busy actor who works 30 days a month reserving the few off days for nitty-gritties of household chores, experiments with different kinds of cheeses. Starting with creamy onion soup, it was only natural that we head to the live pasta counter where she selected penne pasta with arrabiata and cheese sauce and gushed, “It’s yummy!” Next we tried and relished her all-time favorite Kadi Pakodi, Paneer Pasanda and parathas. All this while we took in the view of celestial downpour beating against the glass panes of Baywatch that offered a stunning view of Aksa beach beyond. “Very romantic,” gushed the actor as I asked her if she missed her beau Akhlaque Khan. When does she plan to tie the knot? And the 23-year-old says, “Not any time soon.” She is happy her career is shaping up well and intends to enjoy her courting period for now. We rounded off with the very western chocolate fudge (I am very fond of chocolates, says Roopal) and gateaux from the enormous desserts on display, skipping Indian mithais of gajar ka halwa, syrupy gulab jamuns and more for another visit. RAPID Qs. Roopal Tyagi Your fave Hindi serial? Sapne Suhane Ladakpan ke (but naturally). One reality show you would like to be a part of... Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa (again but naturally-she has been a choreographer). If not an actor? An interior designer (how come not a choreographer). I wanted to do interior designing at some point in life. The first thing you notice in a man? Fragrance…I smell it like Rani Mukherjee in Aiyyaa. One quality your man should possess…. He should make me feel complete. Money, fame or love? And why? Love, money and fame in that order because fame is temporary. A word you most often use… There are two and half – But…ummm and really. Success to you is… Kajol. Luxury is…. Is Life – to have the best of best! You splurge on… Accessories, clothes, bags, shoes, etc. The plus of being a TV actor…. Instant fame and good money. Pet peeve….. Wannabes If casting couch existed in the TV industry…. I know it exists in films (as a choreographer, she has witnessed aspirants going through it) but if in TV industry, it would be a big put-off. One thing nobody knows about you… I have no patience…. Trying to practice it A celeb you like…. Deepika Padukone…her looks, hair, height, I like everything about her. You aim to live a…. Happy and luminous life!