Carry on Bhalla

Manpriya Singh 

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You’ve seen and heard him throw Punjabi phrases right in the audience face, with a fluency that in itself evokes laughter. Jaswinder Bhalla needs no introduction to anyone well versed with Punjabi film industry. Soon to be seen in Carry on Jatta 2 and Mr and Mrs 420 Returns, we get talking with the renowned actor-comedian on all things culinary. He likes his food, just like his roles, rustic and authentic to the core.  

My soul food 

It starts and ends with Punjabi cuisine and poster dishes of Punjabi food. Think Amritsari fish, chili chicken. 

If I had to survive on one dish for 30 days…

Before he can answer this one, he questions, ‘Why would I have one dish for 30 days’. Well, hypothetically speaking... He shares, “I love cauliflower…in desi lingo, there’s a particular kind of cauliflower that we refer to as khadi gobi. I love that and can survive on it for 30 days. That, of course, means that I can cook as many different types of dishes with gobi as I like.”

Food and childhood

It’s not so much about the ingredients as it is about the method of preparation of any food. We used to have this dish comprising just paneer, aloo and matar, but the gravy would be very thin and paneer would acquire a spongy texture and reddish colour because it was fried first. That would be my favourite dish. 

When in City Beautiful 

Don’t be surprised to find me sitting at Pal Dhaba or at Tehal Singh’s, when I am in Chandigarh. I like their rahra chicken and kadhai chicken. Otherwise, we anyway get to taste the hotel food of whichever hotel we are staying at. On the way from Ludhiana to City Beautiful, I make it a point to stop by at Bhurre da Dhaba. 

If not Indian…

Then the next cuisine that I opt for is Italian. I quite like pasta in red sauce. Pizzas are a once in a while indulgence and Chinese…not really. 

On a sweet note…

Now, we are talking. There so many authentic desserts I love. Khoya barfi is one, gulab jamun, which is almost the national dessert of India, then gajrela. But no ice-creams please. 

I can rustle up…

There is a minute’s pause before he answers this one. 

“Well, I can just about make tea, boil eggs and make omelets.” So, if someone were to drop by, this is what he would serve them? “No at all. I’d order and have food home delivered.” As blunt as honest. 

manpriya@triunemail.com