The entertainment world is filled with talent and dedication, but many actors have passions beyond the screen. One such passion is cooking—an art that brings them joy, comfort, and a sense of home. Amid their busy schedules, these &TV actors find
solace in their kitchens, whipping up delicious dishes that have become their specialities. These include Amit Bharadwaj (Mewa from Bheema), Himani Shivpuri (Katori Amma from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai). Amit Bharadwaj, who plays Mewa in Bheema shares, “Since childhood, I was fascinated by cooking, all thanks to my mother. Watching her effortlessly prepare delicious meals ignited my passion for food. However, my real journey with cooking began when I moved to Mumbai and had to cook for myself. My first attempt at making rice was a disaster—it turned out sticky and overcooked! But I did not give up. Slowly, I started experimenting, learning from my mistakes, and improving my skills. Today, I can cook anything I set my mind to, but my speciality is stuffed parathas—whether it is aloo, paneer, or gobhi, I have mastered them all! My friends and co-stars love my parathas; whenever we have gatherings on set, I prepare them. Cooking has become my therapeutic escape—I love the process of chopping, kneading, and stirring. Food made with love always tastes better. Apart from parathas, I enjoy making dal tadka, vegetable biryani, and even homemade pizza. My wife and kids love it when I cook, and their appreciation makes it even more special.” Himani Shivpuri, known as Katori Amma in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan shares, “One dish I have truly mastered is kadhi chawal. There is something incredibly comforting about its tangy, creamy texture paired with perfectly cooked rice. Every time I make it, I am transported back to my childhood—sitting in my mother’s kitchen, watching her stir the kadhi with love and patience. It is more than just food for me; it is a warm hug on a plate, a connection to my roots, and a reminder of the flavours I grew up with. Interestingly, my love for cooking does not stop at human food—my special egg curry is also a hit with my dogs! Over time, I have developed a unique, nutritious recipe just for them, and every time I make it, their wagging tails and happy faces make all the effort worthwhile.” Shubhangi Atre who plays the beloved Angoori Bhabi in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai shares, “Cooking is my stress buster. The moment I step into the kitchen, all my worries fade away. I love preparing traditional Indian dishes, and my absolute favourite is dal baati. Its rich, aromatic flavours remind me of childhood family gatherings where everyone would sit together and savour a home-cooked meal. Apart from acting, cooking is something I genuinely enjoy—it is not just a hobby but a passion. I can cook anything, from paneer butter masala and chole bhature to Hyderabadi biryani. When it comes to desserts, my speciality is kheer, which is always a crowd-pleaser. I take immense pride in being a great host—whenever guests come over, I ensure they feel welcomed with a delicious home-cooked meal. Tasty food brings people closer, and I love creating that experience. Whether it is an intimate dinner or a big celebration, I can easily cook for more than fifty people without hesitation. Cooking is not just about taste—it’s about creating memories, spreading love, and bringing people together over a hearty meal.” Watch Bheema at 8:30 PM, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 PM, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 PM, every Monday to Friday, only on &TV!