SONU NIGAM and his diet regimen...

The first thing I have in the morning: I usually have cornflakes with some dry fruit in cold milk. Once in a while I like to have parathas made of aloo, ajwain or methi with some dahi and pickle. Sometimes I like to have dalia. But no tea or coffee for me. I am not too fond of eggs, but I eat them once in a while because of their high protein value. When I do, I have five-to-six eggs, half-fried. Sometimes I like to have an omelette.

When I am recording I have: Water. I need to keep sipping water. I carry my water to the recording studios. Before singing I avoid eating ice-cream.

I prefer: To drink a lot of fruit juices, rather than eating fruits. I especially like orange, sweet lime and watermelon juice. My fridge is incomplete without juices.

My lunch: When I am in Mumbai I carry my dabba from home. I like to have dal, paneer, sabzi and roti. I like to alternate my dishes. Earlier, I used to eat ravenously, but now I restrain myself.

My favourite vegetarian food: Moong dal, paneer, rajma, bhindi ki sabzi, baingan ka bharta and karelas. In Sindhi food, I love sai bhaji. I love lauki with chana dal, I can eat 20 rotis with arbi ki sabji.

In vegetables I am not fond of: Tindas.

My evening snack: When I am hungry, I have chaats.

My dinner usually consists of: Normal food like dal, roti, sabzi and something non-vegetarian. On Mondays and Tuesdays, I eat only vegetarian food.

My favourite non-vegetarian food: Tandoori chicken.

I am allergic: To hard-shelled seafood like lobsters. My mouth starts itching, but I love fish.

After dinner: I have a vitamin tablet.

My favourite desserts: Sweets — Indian as well as Western. I am also fond of ice-creams. I love gaajar ka halwa, rasgullas, sohan halwa and Karachi halwa but I am trying to control myself. I love caramel custard and pastries, ice-creams and chocolates, especially those with nuts.

My culinary abilities: Are basic. Both my parents are excellent cooks. My father cooks mutton which is out of the world.

On a hot summer day I have: Fruit juices while sitting in an air-conditioned room at home and watching TV.

On a rainy day I have: Some hot bhuttas along with some hot tea made with adrak and tulsi while getting drenched.

My favourite cuisine: I like Japanese, good authentic Chinese, Lebanese, Italian; but nothing to top Indian cuisine.