Maverick Anuj turns restaurateur

Maverick Anuj turns restaurateur

The doctor-turned-actor-turned-producer has added another feather to his already overworked cap!
Shaheen Parkar
shaheen@mid-day.com
Anuj Saxena turns a year older today. Last night, the actor ushered in his birthday at Papillon Park on Link Road. But what struck us as odd was why he'd selected the Andheri restaurant as the venue, instead of the usual suburban nightspots that are the domain of most TV stars. But as with all things related to Anuj, there was a very good reason.
Saxena, who currently plays Suhas in the Sony afternoon show Risshton Ki Dor, loves to spring surprises. So even as he cut his cake, Anuj announced that that he has taken over Papillon Park and renamed it Blue Waters.
Opportunity knocks
This marks Saxena's foray into another off-screen role — that of a restaurateur. Last year, Saxena had announced Maverick Productions, his own production house. Anuj is also a doctor (he has done his MBBS from Grant Medical College) and looks after the family's pharma business (Elder Pharmaceuticals), besides his acting commitments. Anuj says he's got a constant need to diversify. "That is what being a maverick is all about — the reason why I named my production house, Maverick. When one wants to grow, one always looks at various opportunities. I have the means to expand and turn my dreams into reality, so why not?"
Team player
The restaurant business is highly competitive — a good enough reason for him to be part of it. "I saw several places and zeroed in on Papillon Park because of its size and location. It is close to three major multiplexes in Andheri. I intend to close it for renovation and re-open it during Diwali as a fine dining restaurant."
The actor says that he will be 100 per cent involved in the project. "Although it seems impossible for one person to be part of various activities simultaneously, I have a good team working with me. At the end of the day, team work is what counts."
Saxena, best remembered as Abhay in Kkusum, was also seen in Kumkum, Saara Aakash and Prratima on the small screen.