Juhi Chawla
Favourite movie: Andaaz Apna Apna
One movie I would recommend to everybody is Andaaz Apna Apna. I personally think that if you’re ever feeling blue or down and out, watching this movie is the solution. Aamir Khan and Salman Khan, who are looking their best, did such a brilliant job with their roles. The team originally was looking to cast Rekhaji, and since she wasn’t available, they requested me to do it — and I am glad it did! We shot my entire portion in one day; we started in the morning and finished at about 11 in the night. We also needed a star opposite me for the cameo appearance: Govinda was present on the sets, so they went to him and requested him to do the part. He too easily agreed and shot with us. I don’t know how they would have finished shooting the film otherwise!
Juhi Chawla is an actor.
Akarsh Khurana
Favourite play: Kaumudi
One play that should be watched in recent times is Abhishek Majumdar’s Kaumudi. This play presents themes like mythology and father-son relationship in a new light. For people who are connected in any way to the arts, it is mandatory viewing. I’ve seen in twice, once in a proscenium arch in Lucknow, and next, up close in Prithvi Theatre, Mumbai. While the performances are excellent, the hero, especially on second viewing, is the writing. I haven’t tripped on a play as much as I did on this one.
Akarsh Khurana is a theatre director.
Arko Mukherjee
Favourite music album: Joshua Tree by U2
U2’s fifth studio album continues to be on the top of my playlist. I first heard it when I was in high school in the 90’s and since then, the album has stayed with me. Joshua Tree is a masterpiece and every song is amazing: Every time you hear it, you feel better. My favourite is With or Without You. I have been hearing this album for such a long time, and thankfully albums like these never lose their charm.
Arko Mukherjee is a songwriter
Shadaab Khan
Favourite book: Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
For as long as I can remember, my favourite author has always been Agatha Christie, who is, without doubt, the grand dame of mystery fiction. Although a number of Christie’s novels were memorable, my personal favourite and recommendation has to be the detective fiction, Death on the Nile. I first read it when I was 12 or 13 years old, perhaps that’s why it has left such a strong impression on me. What I love about the book is that it has a strong plot, a host of great suspects and an exotic setting. I strongly recommend it to all lovers of mystery fiction, particularly to Hercule Poirot fans.
Shadab Khan is an author
Omkar Kapoor
Favourite TV show: Banged Up Abroad
The one show which has thrilled me the most over the years is Banged up Abroad. It covers true stories of travellers around the globe and how they get caught in illegal activities like smuggling. Some stories have just left me baffled, and some, amazed: it makes you realise that people go through so much trouble and yet come out of it. Since this show presents the triumph of human spirit to fight back the odds, it is a total must watch.
Omkar Kapoor is an actor
Mitesh Rangrasi
Favourite cuisine: Hyderabadi
One cuisine I rediscovered most recently is Hyderabadi. I spent a week in the city trying out delicacies from the street stalls and obscure restaurants. I visited this city after a long time and there wasn’t a single meal that I didn’t enjoy.
If you want to try authentic biryani, Sarvi (Banjara Hills) and Pista House (near Charminar) should be on the list — the flavours are super delicate, and the food isn’t overtly heavy. For people who want to try off the map food, Ananda serves some awesome vegetarian food (curd rice and sambar rice are my favourites). For non-vegetarians are sumptuous chicken curries, mutton slow cooked with tamarind and chili.
Mitesh Rangrasi is a chef
