THE LITERARY SUPER-HOSTESS

Mita Kapur throws the ultimate dinner for the Jaipur Literature Festival set, leaving even Pulitzer and Booker laureates at a loss for words to describe her delectable laal maas and sukhe matar. She lets HELLO! in on the secrets of her exceptional entertaining

- SONAL NERURKAR

It’s that time of the year when India’s most celebrated literary gathering takes centre stage. From panels to parties, insiders swear by a solid strategy to make the most of Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF). While Rambagh Palace, Baradari and Bar Palladio hold their allure, it’s D-241, Amrapali Marg that is the place to be. As the publishing lore goes, the laal maas at Rahul and Mita Kapur’s dinner party “is to die for”.

The charming hostess, who is founder and CEO of Siyahi, a literary consultancy, prepares the fiery mutton curry and other local delicacies for 500-odd guests herself. “I enjoy feeding people; I love cooking,” she says of the tradition that began in 2006. Preparations for the annual dinner, where the publishing industry, authors, media and a few local friends are invited, start a month ahead at her sprawling bungalow. Everyone in the Kapur home, housing three or four generations of their joint family, lends a hand. Much like the evening, the menu highlighting ghar ka khanna has also turned into somewhat of a customary practice. “My efforts are to showcase and project Jaipur and Rajasthan in a special way,” says Mita, whose roots are in the Pink City. In addition to the laal maas, she prepares khad murgh, panchratni dal, aloo-pyaaz ki sabzi and sukhe matar. She sources other specialties, including maas ka soola (mutton kebabs) from an elderly homechef, hing ki kachori from the walled city, and a variety of parathas from Sharma Dhaba. For dessert, there’s kulfifalooda and chota ghevar. “And, of course, plenty of alcohol,” she mentions.