Considering the old adage “tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are”, we decided to follow the young and talented star Neha Dhupia on her gastronomical choices and understanding the relevance of balancing it all in order to stay fit.
From her debut days with Qayamat, Neha has surely come a long way. Her recent conquest coming in the form of an international series titled “Bollywood Hero” with Hollywood actor Chris Kattan. Being a film star in Bollywood has its own demands and grueling schedules to manage, apart from keeping an extremely planned eating schedule to follow. So when it came to understanding the eating habits of Indian stars, Neha was an obvious choice.
MM: Apart from acting in films do you see yourself diversifying into new directions in the future?
Neha: I would love to experiment and diversify into different directions. I know movies are an integral part of my life today but the future is all about trying. And this just might be a coincidence but my most indulgent ambition is to open a restaurant.
MM: Taking up acting as a profession does put a little bit of restrictions on you. So what are the key lifestyle changes that you have had to make?
Neha: Well, yes acting does have its pros and cons. And it does impose certain restrictions on the life you would otherwise lead. Since you are a public figure and you have to be aware and conscious about the things you say and do. But having said that, I am definitely not someone who would build a completely different public image. With me, it’s more like what you see is what you get!!
MM: Being an actor you have to watch what you eat how do you balance that with you desire?
Neha: Well when it comes to balanced eating, I am a complete believer and follower. I do like to watch what I eat not only because it’s an occupational hazard but also because I am someone who believes in staying healthy and fit. And as for the desire, I do cut loose sometimes and indulge once in a while. After all, giving into temptations is also necessary to make it more fun.
MM: So what tempts you when you are in an indulgent mood?
Neha: Dessert, for sure! I love to indulge in something sweet and with my sweet tooth it’s always ended being dessert.
MM: What would be a perfect meal for you?
Neha: A perfect meal would be an amalgamation of all my favorites. I absolutely love Sushi but my favorite dish is Eggs Benedict. So it could be with a glass of good red wine.
Although, during the daytime I would love to fit in some tea there too, perhaps after the meal.
MM: Do you enjoy eating street food? What is your favorite street food?
Neha: Actually, I’m quite fond of street food, be it Mumbai’s bhel puri to Delhi's chaat to Lucknow's kebabs. I love them all.
MM: Name your favorite restaurants and tell us what makes them so special for you?
Neha: According to me, the best food by far, is in Goa and U.S.A. It’s the most decadent food I have ever tasted and that is the reason in itself that makes these joints so special for me.
I love Spago, Crustacean (Los Angeles), Nobu (London), Sublime and Bomra's (Goa).
MM: Do you cook? What is your favorite recipe?
Neha: Ok, as long as we are being honest here I have to admit that I’m not a regular cook. I cook occasionally and when I do I love to cook Shepherd’s Pie. It is sort of a family recipe so it’s close to my heart. Actually it was my Mum who gave me the recipe and taught me how to make it and that’s why it’s my favorite recipe.
MM: On an average day, what does your diet usually comprise of?
Neha: I like to start my day with a heavy breakfast. For lunch, I usually stick to Indian food, not too heavy though and then dinner is really light, comprising of a soup, salad and a piece of fish or chicken. I do believe in starting my day with a heavier meal and then progress to lighter meals as the day goes by.
