A Star on the Rise

Bollywood actor Tara Sutaria is also a closeted home chef who spends her downtime researching new recipes. In a conversation with BAYAR JAIN, the cover star spills the beans on her foodie avatar, creative journeys, and more.

- BAYAR JAIN

It has been a rollercoaster ride to finish this month's issue. It ended with a cover shoot in rainy Mumbai, a city that resonates well with this month's cover star and actor, Tara Sutaria. And it was only fitting to meet with this hobbyist chef for Travel + Leisure India & South Asia's food issue.

"I absolutely adore cooking! I picked it up as a serious hobby during the many lockdowns. [The lockdowns] helped me grow my deep love for food," Sutaria says. The actor's social media profile is enough evidence of her foodie side; the eight million followers on her Instagram account will attest to it. Be it pictures of a juicy burger, or a lavish Italian spread cooked by the actor and her twin sister Pia, Sutaria's account is dotted with pictures of food from around the world. Her favourite cuisine, however, remains Italian. "I love eating a simple five-minute spaghetti that I cook at home. It has a spicy sauce with some delicious cheese on top," the budding cook reveals. Rajasthan's famed junglee maas (a slow-cooked mutton curry) is a close second.

However, her encounters with food are not restricted just to her home kitchen; the leading lady has sampled food around the globe. "I have been fortunate to travel to some of the most beautiful parts of the world. I remember having the best meals in Paris and Japan," reminisces Sutaria, adding, "I enjoy eating what the locals eat. I feel it's indicative of the place."