Rival site on Vishwajeet Pradhan

Hindi film and television actor Vishwajeet Pradhan and wife Sonalika, a fashion designer with her brand Vitamin by Sonalika were my guests at Tony Singh's peppy eatery playfully called Pop Tate's The Unrestaurant in Oshiwara. Bright, funky decor and cheerful people serving excellent, lip smacking dishes is what greets us here.

Currently playing dual roles of shemale Kalavati and Rudra Pratap Singh in Ek Boond Ishq on Life OK channel, he is quite popular for his vicious on-screen characters, especially his image in teleserial Maryada which has stuck with him. "But in real life he is a very simple person and a good soul," his wife begs to differ. And I agree as I could see none of the narcissistic traits which most actors normally sport. He prefers simple north Indian food like dal, sarson da saag, makki di roti and "doesn't smoke, drink or eat non-veg. Being health conscious, he prefers non-oily food, salads and yoghurt" mentions his wife. Since we were at funky Pop Tate's which serves oriental, continental and sizzlers, we went with Manager Allwyn Sequeira's suggestions of creamy Cheese Balls, Bruschetta and Schezwan Baby Potatoes from Fabrina's starters. Ginger Lemon Mojitho would do for the actor with a bowl of fresh Panzanella salad: rustic Tuscan salad with crusty bread, tomatoes and mozarella cheese.

Throwing light on his academics, the Meerut-born, lawyer from Allahabad University says, "I was not exactly academically inclined. Maths wasn't an enjoyable option and I was given to watching Amitabh Bachchan bashing villains on screen. I acted in teleserial Fauji with Shah Rukh Khan. Much against my family's wishes, I moved to Mumbai after Fauji was telecast."

As for his convincing portrayal of Kalavati with all the mannerisms associated with eunuchs, the actor did his homework and researched on internet as he reveals, "Hijras played an important role in the history of India. The harems of kings had hijras to keep a watch over the umpteen queens each king had. Kalavati is based on such research."

In the meanwhile we order Sizzlers of exotic vegetables in peri peri sauce and Alfredo Pasta in creamy sauce with bell peppers and basil. Pop Tate's also offers mini meals, bulging burgers and rolls, sumptuous sandwiches and sizzling Brownie with vanilla ice cream.

The supportive husband stands by Sonalika whether it is the launch of her designer wear of western lines and ethnic drapes Vitamin or during her participation in exhibitions in Dubai or other places abroad. Vishwajeet who likes to be close to nature wanted to tour the world on cycle in his college days but could not. Now, it is his wish to cover (not on cycle obviously) most of the regions in the globe. He works out 3 days a week as he puts it, "Lack of time prevents me from going to a gym so I do freehand exercises and jogging in between breaks wherever I am shooting."

As for his son and daughter seeing him as Kalavati, he says, "Initially, when my daughter saw me being bashed up in a movie, she howled. We made her realize and now they are used to seeing me in different characters and understand it is part of my job." With that we wind up our enjoyable dinner at the ever-hospitable Pop Tate's!

Rapid Fire Questions with Rapid Fire

Foodie?

Yes, I am a typical Punjabi.

Fave cuisine...

North Indian.

A reality show you would like to take part in...

Not too keen.

Success to you is...

Naseeruddin Shah.

Fave actor/s

Amitabh Bachchan and Nana Patekar.

Where did you meet Sonalika and decide to get married?

Ours was an arranged marriage.

Fitness mantra...

Due to hectic and erratic shooting schedules, do freehand exercises whenever I get the time.

A gizmo freak...

No. I like to keep things simple.

One thing few people know about you...

Wife Sonalika chips in: He is totally a family man contrary to his on-screen image (Maryada still hounds the actor).