‘I WANTED TO GO TO CR PARK FOR DURGA PUJA’
Sharad Malhotra is upset that he won’t get to experience the magnificence of pandals on this trip
He may be swamped with work at the moment, but as soon as Sharad Malhotra got to know he’ll be in Delhi for a two-day shoot, he knew he couldn’t miss it for the world. From spending time with his cousins to bingeing on Dilli ka khana, the actor, popular for TV shows Kasam Tere Pyaar Ki and Naagin 5, reminisces his fond memories of Delhi.
#DelhiVibe
People to food, everything is a favourite for Malhotra, when it comes to Delhi. “I was shooting in Punjab and Himachal (Pradesh), but missing Delhi all this while. When I got to know about the shoot in Delhi, I grabbed the opportunity. I could experience the amazing aura of the city. The Delhi vibe is so different, people here are nice,” says the 38-year-old, adding,
“Dilli toh dilwalon ki hai. I have my cousins here, yet I’m coming after a long time. I want to spend the day walking aimlessly, window shopping and going to local markets like Lajpat and Sarojini Nagar.”
Missing CR Park ki Durga Puja
This year, too, Durga Puja celebrations will be low-key due to the pandemic. And Malhotra, who is originally from Kolkata, is disheartened that he will not be able to witness Pujo fervour like before. “I wanted to go to CR Park for Durga Puja to see the pandals... It’s not the same as Kolkata, but I know that Durga Puja is celebrated with a lot of pomp and joy in Delhi. But this time, it will not be as big due to the pandemic.”
Chole bhature, paranthe, makhan...
“Muh mein pani aa raha hai sochke,” he says, talking about Dilli ka khana. “As kids, we used to come here during summer vacations and have a nice time eating chaat and chole bhature. I’m a major foodie, I live to eat! In this profession (of acting), we have to be careful. But if I get the time, I want to indulge in some street food,” he adds.
Malhotra, in fact, has a soft corner for sweets. He says, “I remember having motichoor laddoos. I even remember a popular joint in Connaught Place (CP) where I used to have pineapple shake. I really miss that, and I want to walk around in CP. I was talking to a co-star about the butter chicken at Kake Da Hotel... I will shoot the person who says Dilli ka khana achha nahi hai! I love the dhabas, the white makhan and paranthas we get there. I can go on and on.”