Deepak Dobriyal
Favourite film: Khosla ka Ghosla
My favourite film is Dibakar Banerjee’s directorial debut, Khosla Ka Ghosla. This film has some of the most outstanding performances by Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Ranvir Shorey, Vinay Pathak and others. The film is based on a simple yet serious subject, but its treatment doesn’t fail to entertain at any point. What I like best about the film is its Indian framework.
— Deepak is an actor
Cyrus Sahukar
Favourite performing artist: Louis C.K.
I like Louis C.K.’s work because he isn’t the punchline comedian; not that there is anything wrong with it. I find his stand-up a lot like life — sometimes it’s dark, boring and has sudden moments of sheer brilliance. I think I have laughed more at some dramas than out-and-out comedy films. Sometimes a pause is ten times more powerful than twenty punch lines in a row, but that’s just me.
— Cyrus Sahukar is a television host
Karishma Sakhrani
Favourite restaurant: The Pantry, Mumbai
The Pantry in Kala Ghoda, has always been a favourite. The team is conscious about sourcing fresh, organic and local ingredients, which gives you more reasons to be a regular here. My absolute favourite food of all time, however, has got to be pizza. Here, they’ve developed a healthier, cleaner pizza with a flourless cauliflower base, low fat cheese and, of course, topped with healthy toppings. I never feel like I’m cheating anymore.
— Karishma is a chef
Govind Menon
Favourite song: Kashmir by Led Zeppelin
If there’s one song that’s stayed with me over many, many years, it has to be Kashmir by Led Zeppelin. I first heard the song when I was probably in the 4th or 5th grade and the song has remained with me ever since. Kashmir has a unique melody running through it coupled with some dark riffs, that gets the song to stand out among others in Led Zeppelin’s discography for me. Add to it, the fact that it has some of Robert Plant’s exceptional singing that touches you deeply, and you see why this is a special song. Kashmir still features prominently on my playlist, and I listen to it often.
— Govind is a musician
Arnab Ray
Favourite book: And Then There Were None
Since I am writing a murder mystery right now, I can’t but stop thinking about And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. It is one of the greatest locked-room mysteries ever written. Moody and deeply atmospheric, it has strong elements of psychological horror. The “mysterious strangers assemble in a closed space and then someone starts killing them one by one” has become a trope in itself and is found in countless books and movies, including the thriller Identity and, (ahem), my own book, The Mine. Even if you are one of the two people in the world who don’t like mysteries, this is a book you should not let pass.
— Arnab is an author
Karan Patel
Favourite TV show: Shark Tank
I love to watch Shark Tank. It’s nice to hear of ideas which could make for a successful business. I wish India had something like this too since it’s encouraging for young minds who want to start something but don’t have funds to do so. I love the concept and idea behind it. Even though it’s not a high voltage drama, it still keeps you glued and interested.
— Karan is an actor
— Compiled by Aarti Bhanushali and Nishtha Kanal
