Zoya's Epicurean Expose at Sofitel

Check the slideshow above Ponds Femina Miss India International 2013 winner, lead actor of thriller and hit Hindi film Expose, my gorgeous co-judge in a beauty pageant and a die-hard foodie Zoya Afroz is my guest for dinner at the hi-end Northwest Indian Frontier signature restaurant Jyran (means ‘lost love’ in Persian) of Hotel Sofitel Mumbai BKC. The dramatic yet subtle décor takes us by surprise right from the time we walk up the little bridge, leading to the posh restaurant, where small fireworks greet us portending more fascinating things for us to anticipate. Jyran exudes an old-world charm reminiscent of palaces of yore with jharokas, twinkling chandeliers and art-deco inspired spaces. Of course, only a few effects like these can be equally stunning as the actor herself who appeared slender and grace personified in an animal printed dress, purchased in indulgence of retail therapy during one of her jaunts abroad. Indian Master Chef of Jyran – Shaukat Ali Qureshi of the famed Qureshi family of specialty chefs greeted us and promised to take us on a gastronomic journey of innovative recipes packed with his secret ingredients. I was thrilled as Mughlai happened to be Zoya’s favourite cuisine and as a self-confessed foodaholic, “I live to eat”, she reveals during her grooming period for the beauty pageant she used to wonder how some of the contestants could skip lunch and dinner. As the restaurant has diverse seating sections, we preferred the exclusive one on the upper level which offered privacy. We were on a roll with eclectic veg and non-veg appetizers, “I am an absolute non-vegetarian”, declared Zoya. Murgh ke Soole filled with dry fruits, Barrah Atish Ahadenu in which lamb chops were marinated in spices and yoghurt, Tabkh Hara Kebab of spinach cakes filled with cheese, Dahi ke kebab of hung yogurt blended with fried cashew nuts and Paneer Khas consisting of melt-in-the-mouth cottage cheese filled with mint chutney made their way to our plates and was totally appreciated by the lovely and unfussy actor. Not a novice to facing camera (she has done it since she was just three years old for commercials), Zoya made her fray into tinsel world as a child artist in Rajshri Productions’ Hum Saath Saath Hain (Neelam’s daughter) and Kuch Na Kaho, has also featured in television serials like Son Pari and more. Talking about her beauty title, she says, “While in Mithibai College, I was spotted by Femina Miss India beauty pageant organizers. Hours of rigorous catwalk practice in heels not less than 6 inches used to be very demanding. But now I can run in those high heels.” The participation also gave her good exposure to outside world and when Himesh Reshammiya and Anant Mahadevan were on a hunt for a lead to enact a beauty queen in Expose, Zoya was the unanimous choice. And the beautiful lady is glad that it went on to do well in the box office. “Director Ananth Narayan is a nice person to work with and I admire Himesh’s dedication to his profession and for the way he made sure to lose weight immensely for this role.” Moving on to the main course of this veritable feast, Chef Shaukat Qureshi bombarded us with insanely delicious preparations like Nahari al Subho, Chooza Makhni in rich tomato gravy, Kofta Subz Bahar, Paneer Lababdar with assorted rotis . The epicurean actor appreciated Chef’s expertise by relishing the lamb shanks cooked in exotic spices and the succulent chicken in Chooza Makhni, and according to whom, “I love partying and eating out. I believe life is in itself a celebration.” The girl with peaches and cream complexion loves adventure as in, “If it involves great heights but not something which gets me messy and dirty completely!” says the cleanliness freak adding, “I want my room or wherever I am to be neat and clean and also the things arranged in a proper way.” Although chocolates are the sweet lady’s passion, Jyran put forth Tabkh Jamun, Sheer Korma, Tukra Shaan-e-Shaukat and assorted kulfi of malai, kesar and paan and Zoya loved Malai Kulfi’s creamy texture. Apart from her ethereal beauty, svelte figure and delicate demeanor, the most appealing thing about Zoya is her sensible and down-to-earth attitude. As the young actor is looking forward to doing many more successful films, Zoya here’s wishing you a great career and the very best in life! Rapid fire with Zoya Afroz Foodie... A big big foodie . One of those who live to eat! Fave cuisine..... Chinese, Mughlai. Dessert…. Anything in chocolate melts my heart. Fast food.. Not a big fan of fast food but sometimes love eating pizza. How about cooking? Very weird to say that being a foodie ..I hate cooking ! If not an actor/model… I have no plan B. This and only this is the job that I can take up for a living. Are you a Shopoholic….. brand conscious? Yes a bit shopaholic and I do think brands have a better quality and longevity! Single or dating? Single, Adventure freak? Love adventures specially which involves adventures on great heights. TV or films? Films-my first love. Reality shows you would like to do on TV? Never thought of it. Fitness regime… Love doing Pilates. Beauty secret… Being happy on the inside! Your strength… Belief in myself. A cheesy pick-up line you encountered by someone…. Not really, I don't think these days guys use pick up lines or at least never came across such people! And thank God for that! Hehe. Are you a party animal…. Yes I love to celebrate. Stressbuster.... Food is the answer for stress and specially chocolate shake! Try it You are paranoid about… I think I have OCD regarding cleanliness so if that doesn't happen I get paranoid. Pet peeve… Being fake. I don't like to be around fake people. Idea of fun… A good time with family and friends. Any pets… Very scared of pets ! So a big NO NO. Something that touches you the most… Kindness. One thing that nobody knows about you… I am very proud of the person that I am and therefore don’t hide anything about me! I am like an open book!