New Delhi: When Italian TV host and food enthusiast David Rocco chalked out the plan for his maiden trip to India, his friends and acquaintances said, 'You will be surprised. Wait until you get there.' Having visited the land he knew little about several times now, David has not only developed an understanding of Indian culture and cuisine, but also realized the need to steer clear from putting forth the nation's purported and stereotypical image in his upcoming show.
Wasn't surprised with the chaos in India: Unlike other international celebrities whose first impression of India is of 'chaos', David wasn't surprised with such a setup. On the contrary, the experience helped the international chef draw up parallels between India and Italy. "I thoroughly enjoyed meeting people in India. I wasn't surprised with the chaos here. I think, India is very much like Italy; it is serene and has a rhythm too. Perhaps organized chaos is a better description for it!" he says.
And the fact that many travel long distances to get hold of real ingredients without calling it a daunting tasks, speaks volumes of their fixation for originality. "In India, I see people taking pride in its culture. It is amazing to see how people travel long distances to prepares masala or get original stuff. This originality is highlighted in Indian food. Food in the South is different from how it is made up North. The same thing exists in Italy. Similarly, Sambhar which has been made at one's place will be completely different from how it is made at someone else's house, say down the street. So yes, it is about family and regional tradition," he explains.
Delhi is a fascinating city: Dotted with mesmerizing forts, mosques, and monuments, Delhi presents an incredible mix of tradition and modernity. It is the disparity between rambling Old Delhi and a well-designed New Delhi that swept David Rocco off his feet. "I have made my third trip to Delhi in the last six months. The city is fascinating; I was quite amazed to visit its interesting pockets such as Hauz Khas Village, Chandni Chowk and Old Delhi. The tree-lined roads in Delhi remind me of some pockets or neighbourhoods in London. Both new and old Delhi, which appear like the two faces of the same coin, put forth an interesting blend of the city's tradition and modernity. This contrast is also comes across through its architecture and people."
Indian fare is spicier, I'm not complaining: If Indian films have caught the fancy of international filmmakers, its lip-smacking fare has also found several takers abroad. David too finds Indian fare hard to miss. "Yes, I would say this because Indian fare has more ingredient and spices, and the flavor profiles have more depth. I remember I had cooked food with an Indian chef once. While he cooked Galouti Kabab by using 18 ingredients, I made Italian meatballs with just four ingredients. This is enough to explain how layered Indian cuisine is. I also feel, Indian fare is spicier. I'm not complaining though. I love spice!"
Experience in India has been unique: David, who has been to four of India's bustling metros - Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Jaipur - each luring entrepreneurs from world over for its market potential, feels it is hard to declare which is his favourite city. "They all offer their own charm, culture and character. I tried Dosas and coconut chutneys down south, Vada Pao, Paani Puri in Mumbai, Laal Maas in Jaipur and dishes with gravies and curies, and Butter Chicken in Delhi! All in all, the experience in India was both unique and wonderful."
My show isn't about the clichéd India: As David tells us, his forthcoming show will not focus on the clichéd representation of India beset by poverty and illiteracy. "India is a fabulous place for food adventure. On our show, we aren't trying to show the clichéd India. India isn't just about spirituality and ashrams. India isn't about the way it has been shown in 'Slumdog Millionaire'."
Neither is India only meant for spiritual seekers who head to India to attain spiritual enlightenment. "My spiritual journey started years ago, much before I visited India. To me India is not so much about spiritualism, but about wonderful and generous people who are very open hearted. This is what makes this country so special."
He explains the depiction of India which his show will focus on. "Our story is about a progressive and modern India, as well as a traditional one. Our show has great music, wherein people are well-travelled. It isn't a clichéd India that is often portrayed by the west that's just about saris and kurtas. In our show, we have captured all facets and the beautiful contrast of India today. We have cooked at a Gurudwara and also played Holi. We have slept in a mahut village with elephants and have also played elephant polo with a Maharaja. We made strong connection with the people on the show and off it. India can be as glamorous as New York City, but as simple and rural as Italy. The flavour of India is unique. It isn't as clichéd as it is imagined to be by many and I think we present the country in an honest way which most Indians would be proud of."
Haven't seen any of Shah Rukh Khan's movies: David admits knowing not much about Bollywood, but he is aware of the name Shah Rukh Khan. "Sure, I'd like to meet Shah Rukh Khan. Why not? He's a huge Bollywood star, no? I saw him play football the other day on a TV show and I'd like to play football with SRK. That's what he's called, right? I haven't seen any of his movies. I think I should probably watch them before I meet him. Only when you come to India, do you realize the contribution that Indian stars make to newspapers and media at large. They are a big part of advertisements, billboards and Indian culture. They influence the society in many ways. It's amazing!"
What about actress Neha Dhupia with whom he shot his show? "I shot a scene in one of our episode with Neha Dhupia. I knew nothing about her so I did my research. She's a great sous chef and knows her way around the kitchen. It was fun shooting with her. She was a good sport and we stay in touch on Twitter."
Have been suggested to watch Salman Khan movie at Chandan, Mumbai: Unlike other international celebrities who'd amaze you with their knowledge and the curiosity to know more when asked about their Bollywood quotient, courtesy the success of 'Slumdog Millionnaire', David knows zilch about the industry.
"I watch very little Bollywood. Isn't it always about man falls in love with the girl, who further falls for someone else? I'm not familiar with them. But yes, I would like to take up movie watching; at least the classics. Maybe I'll watch some Bollywood films next time I visit. Someone told me I should watch a Salman Khan movie at Chandan in Mumbai. Let's see. Friends I made on my journey in India taught me a couple of Bollywood lines like 'Mogambo khush hua', 'Mere paas maa hai' etc. I taught my kids to say Namaste too. They love it!"
Indian men aren't casual about cooking, right? While the number of men cooking meals for their family and fiends is seeing a surge, back in India, it doesn't seem to be the case, thinks David. "I'm born in a food-crazed country. So it is my birthright to cook. In Italy, men are open to cooking casually. But in India, I think men aren't so casual for a lot of people think cooking is still a woman's domain. The first dish I ever cooked was eggs in purgatory which is basically eggs cooked in tomato sauce with cheese. My 5-year-old daughters also make it. My kids love being in the kitchen with me so I think it is important as a parent to instill good food values in your children. They respect food more and don't turn out to be fussy eaters."
Comments
0 comment