Sharmila Tagore enjoys cooking Bengali food at home

Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore says she wears her masterchef cap at home and enjoys cooking Bengali food.

"Though I am not a great chef, but I do cook often. I dress up like a chef, wear my cap and apron," she said.

The 68-year-old was here Tuesday afternoon to judge a culinary talent event organised by restaurateur Rohini Dey. Other panel members included eminent food critics.

Even before the six contestants began presenting their delicacies, the actress declared she would not judge the contest. But later, she gorged on a few dishes, which were a fusion of Latin American and Indian cuisine. The platters saw mashed potatoes, salmon (fish) and fresh cucumber.

The actress complained of throat infection and refused to give an opinion on the food. She said she is otherwise quite open to all varieties.

"I don't like any one particular cuisine, I eat everything. I like experimenting with the ingredients. Also, the way chefs do food fusion is amazing. It helps making people aware of varied cuisines and provides a new taste and flavour," added Sharmila.

She also shared how she likes collecting recipe books. A lover of home-cooked food, she said restaurants lack its flavour.

The event was organised by Dey to select one best chef, who will travel abroad with her to work at her restaurants in the US. Dey has her eateries in New York and Chicago.

During the contest, special focus was on the right fusion of Indian and Latin American ingredients, presentation of food and creativity. Delhi-based Himanshu Saini, 26, was announced the winner.