Lunching with Sarvar at Pop Tate's

Check the slideshow above Smart investing insight and immense talent coupled with gourmet instincts makes Sarvar Ahuja a remarkable personality, as I discovered by the end of this interview with the actor of Shapath (Life OK) over lunch at an equally fascinating place called Pop Tate’s The Unrestaurant in Andheri. First we chose to sit on the upper level but the noisy guests from neighboring tables drove us to a table near the window on the lower level. The funky and vibrant décor on both levels lends a peppy air to the place – table mats shout their promotions in bold prints, Hollywood stars cast seductive glances (from backlit glass prints) at you from the bar counter and huge film posters adorn the walls. According to the MBA incumbent from Hyderabad and winner of Zee Cinestars ki Khoj “I became an actor by default. I happened to see the ad and decided to take part in it for a lark.” He won the contest and bagged a Zee TV show and Subhash Ghai directed movie Khanna & Iyer. He featured in a couple more films and got an offer to play the lead of a blind man in a serial called Jyoti that got noticed, followed by Punar Vivah, Shapath and a cameo in Adaalat. What are your current projects? Says Sarvar, “I have just finished shooting and dubbing for Punjabi film called Patiala Dreams. I might get back to Shapath again.” In the meanwhile I realize he is a complete gourmet and is passionate about cooking. In fact, he would love to do a chef’s training course. Hyderabadi Biryani is his fave dish in Indian cuisine. The menu at Pop Tate’s offers European and Italian and we are taken in by their very English heading for each section and their famed sizzlers. Sarvar enjoyed the zing of hot pepper sauce on succulent chicken breast in Chicken Peri Peri kebab while I enjoy Cheese Garlic Bread and Soyabean Chilli. After having tasted fruit punch with pineapple, mango and strawberry crush, I concur with the actor’s choice of Cold Coffee, but with ice cream, for my second round. Pasta was our next dish and al dente pasta in cheese and pesto flavored sauce went well with our palate. In the course of our conversation, I find the actor to possess acute business acumen and a sense of investing money in the right things. He lives in a well-appointed spacious house and is keen to acquire more properties in Mumbai. He also owns four wheelers, one of which is a huge tractor-like open-roofed vehicle from Punjab and he simply loves taking his friends for a jaunt in it. A responsible man is good for his future partner/wife, which makes me wonder if he is single or dating and he is honest about it when he says, “I am seeing someone from the industry but not an actor.” Sarvar relishes the food including the generously spread cheese on the pizza topped with olives, sundried tomatoes and caramelized onions at Pop Tate’s and coming from a gourmet, the restaurant can rightfully boast about its superb gastronomic offerings. Having visited Pop Tates at different locations, I can vouch that portions are reasonably good and the food is consistent. Sarvar too agreed with me and I heard him enquiring about Happy Hours as I gather his plans to come here with his gang of friends. With that, I wish him success for his Punjabi film release and look forward to see more of him on Bollywood too! Rapid Fire Qs: Your fave hindi serial? Comedy Circus and Comedy Nights With Kapil. One reality show you would like to be a part of... Comedy Circus and also Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. If not an actor? I have a double MBA degree…. Probably a businessman. The first thing you notice in a woman? Eyes…because they can speak volumes. One quality your woman should possess…. She should be a good cook. What attracts you most in a woman… Simplicity. Are you single or dating? I am seeing someone…she is from the industry but not an actor. Success to you is… Ratan Tata. Pet peeve….. I don’t like liars. You envy… People with a pedigree factor. Your idea of fun… A long road trip. One thing nobody knows about you… I don’t compromise on work…. I find it difficult to tolerate it in my colleagues. The most amusing rumour you have heard about yourself… That I have an attitude problem. Where do you see yourself 5 years down the line? Settled as a successful actor and a businessman.