 |
He had fish, phuchka and “rasgulle” on his mind during his first visit to Calcutta. He might not have had the chance to sample any because of a “hectic schedule”, but MasterChef India Season 3 winner Ripudaman Handa left 50 women salivating over seven of his “best recipes”. The 23-year-old Delhiite was in town for ‘Fashion becomes Delicious’ presented by Straavi in association with t2 at The Conclave last Wednesday. Ripu picked his mother’s Aubergine Parmesan Polo (right) and his grandmother’s Roh Ki Kheer. “What I cooked included some special recipes that I had prepared during MasterChef. I made Aubergine Parmesan Polo with my mother on the show and my Nani used to make this dessert in winter,” he told t2.
 |
 |
Pictures: B. Halder
We caught up with Ripudaman at The Conclave before he plated up some of his favourite dishes...
How has life changed since you’ve won MasterChef?
I am often shocked to receive so much love and affection. And I don’t know how to return it. When I go anywhere, there are no girls or guys running after me but aunties and I love that! Because they come and bless me. I feel like I am the luckiest person on earth.
How are you juggling cooking and dancing (Ripu along with girlfriend Shivangi are contestants on the current season of Nach Baliye)?
Mera dhyaan abhi bhi cooking pe hi hai. Nach Baliye is only for Shivangi because I want to spend time with her. And I want to learn dancing… I want to show that a chef can dance! Shivangi and I are not celebrities but hum aam log hain and mujhe janta ne yahaan khada kiya hai.... (Smiles)
We’ve seen you cook on TV, but how often do you cook in real life?
Due to Nach Baliye, I am rehearsing 12 hours a day. It’s hectic but still I cook once a day. Because I am eating just once as I am on diet for Nach Baliye! Otherwise every Saturday and Sunday we have a rule in our house — my mother, bhabhi and our domestic help will not enter the kitchen, and my brother, father and I will cook.
Tell us about your favourite ingredients...
I love basil and cinnamon, and I like to put them in all my recipes. I like the freshness of basil... meethi tulsi, that is mostly used in Italian cuisine and has a fresh flavour.
What’s your favourite cuisine?
I love Italian food and ghar ka Punjabi khana.
Shweta Keshri
What is your message for Ripudaman? Tell t2@abp.in
