A 'gusto' lunch with Rohit Khurana

Check the slideshow above Sujay Joshi’s restaurant Gusto (means Taste in Mexican) nestled in Lokhandwala Market, Andheri, proved to be the apt venue to meet the reticent Rohit Khurana who played Ahsaas in Sony Entertainment Television’s Dil Ki Nazar Se Khoobsurat. Lunchtime was quiet at this Mexican restaurant which also has an extensive Italian menu besides a smattering of Thai. As I waited for the actor to turn up, Sujay, the young Business Management grad from Philadelphia with a passion for Mexican food, offered me Vitamin Volcano – a tall glass of amazing smoothie with a delicate blend of banana, papaya, chikoo, yoghurt and honey. When the actor arrived in a blue tight tee, I had a problem recognizing him for his trademark long, wavy hair had gone missing. “A change of image in the piping,” he assured. After ordering Watermelon with Feta Salad and Nachos, we got talking. Rohit’s foray into acting began with films down South (Telugu and Tamil) but it was the complex character of Vansh in Uttaran which made him take up television seriously. According to Rohit being noteworthy is his aim, “I like to do roles that leave a mark…like in Uttaran, Vansh’s entry brought about many twists in the story. I don’t mind playing negative roles as long as they are challenging. I avoid repeating similar characters.” His forte, as we can vouch, is the fear he generated through his eyes. Then after Vansh’s death, due to public demand, he was brought in as a doppelganger of Vansh. No wonder then that Irrfan Khan is the actor whom he idolizes. Gusto dons simple interiors of niches objet d'art cosy seating and a bar. It also has a sit-out area at the entrance. Rohit is a foodie who is also a good cook – north Indian cuisine is his forte with Mughlai Mutton being his best cooked dish. As he enjoyed Cilantro Prawns, an eye-catching green colored dish, at Gusto, he observed, “The prawns, infused in cilantro sauce are really flavorsome. I loved the chicken pieces steeped in mamarossa sauce of chilli peppers and spices, lending a suitably zesty after taste.” But the home-made pasta in Gnocchi did not go well with him as he found them to be too ‘maida’ish (refined flour). He was happy to have a simple fresh lime juice accompany him through his meal. The Nachos with Sujay’s touch of black beans with salsa and sour cream dip tasted well though I wish it had more cheese drizzled on them. Enchilada again appeared to be the young entrepreneur’s recipe as it was presented as a whole dish sheathed in salsa sauce and the filling in the corn tortilla had paneer cubes besides refried beans, jalapenos and cheese. In the midst of food tasting, our topic veered towards Rohit’s demeanor - that of a shy, reserved person but gets all charged up in front of the camera as he confesses, “I am a workaholic. But on my days off, I am so laidback that I just lie in bed watching TV, reading a book and going back to sleep.” As for his fan following, it extends to all age groups as he reveals, “Young girls request to take pictures with me saying ‘my mom likes you very much; my grandmother watches your show’.” On the personal front, he is a very private person but for a reticent guy he also likes to hang out with friends (Nandish, Vishal Karwal, Arjun Bijlani) or go clubbing with them. Rohit’s motto: if you concentrate on your work and do a good job of it, the rest will automatically follow, is the principle I believe in. On that note we relish the last course of our meal - yummy Belgian Chocolate Cake with warm chocolaty lava dribbling on the sides. After thanking Sujay for his gracious hospitality and promises of revisiting Gusto, we take leave of each other wishing Rohit success in all his endeavors. RAPID FIRE Qs: Your fave Hindi serial? Uttaran...earlier. I don't watch any serials now. One reality show you would like to be a part of... Bigg Boss but I think this is not the right time for me to participate in reality shows. If not an actor? Only an actor. The first thing you notice in a woman? The way she carries herself. One quality your woman should possess… She should be understanding and compatible. What attracts you most in a woman… Eyes… as they can convey what’s in her heart. Are you single or dating? I am married. Success to you is… Irrfan Khan since he has the right balance of talent and doing niche films. Pet peeve….. Liars and body odour. You envy… Irrfan Khan. Your idea of fun… Travelling and exploring places. One thing nobody knows about you… Despite being shy and reserved, I can be really naughty. Your fave co-star (female)? Tina Dutta. 5 years down the line… Only films.