Amit Tandon
Amit Tandon's story is made of the typical 'never know where destiny leads you' stuff. The former Indian Idol contestant didn't clinch a recording contract, but he did sign a deal with Ekta Kapoor. Cast originally in Kaisa Yeh Pyar Hai, the singer-turned actor soon had a role in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabi Bahu Thi too. "Let's chat over a cup of coffee," suggests the 'cool dude' of TV as he shows me around his beautiful Lokhandwala flat and narrates his success story...
1. Strings Attached
Amit's weakness is music. So his prized possession – his guitar – occupies pride of place in his immaculate bedroom. "It's always lying on my bed. I'm just too fascinated by it," he confesses. Amit, born in England, has a very 'British' bearing. "Initially I couldn't speak Hindi, and I had a very heavy accent," he says. But those creases have been ironed out now.
2. Key Investment
Now here's an odd investment – an organ! Amit insists he isn't a spendthrift – but he does consider musical instruments to be worthy assets. His sense of economics does seem a bit off-kilter, considering he acquired his 2-BHK apartment in the upmarket locality of Lokhandwala in the green years of his career. "I didn't want to stay in a rented apartment. I'd rather pay EMIs than rent," he reasons.
3. Cream of england
He may be located physically in the East, but his diet still inclines to the West. "I continue to find Indian food too spicy. Soups and salad are my patent diet. Apart from egg whites, muesli and cornflakes, a glass of protein shake is a must." Although he missed the microphone, Amit always had an eye on the screen. "I didn't want to wait for a big filmmaker to launch me. Balaji is the biggest banner in television and it's just perfect."
4. Another pick in the wall
Second to music comes cinema, for this actor. Amit says he lost count of the number of DVDs he owns. He called for customised wall units to accommodate his growing collection. The Passion of the Christ and Black are his all-time favourites. When not shooting, Amit is either working out in the gym or watching a film. His iPod and home theatre system are other possessions high on his priority list.
5. Divine light
A British lad paying daily obeisance to a Ganesha idol seems a bit surprising, but despite his anglicised upbringing, Amit values his religion and culture. "I don't go out to a temple but I do have a Ganesha idol at home," he points out. And it's not just divine light that brightens his home; the actor has a weak spot for all types of artificial illumination. "I picked up small lamps and chandeliers from a shop in south Mumbai," he says. "This city has done a lot of good to me but sometimes I do feel lonely," he sighs.
6. Lo and order
If you have low estimation of a bachelor's housekeeping skills, consider Amit, whose house is as orderly as a rectory. Let his organised cupboard be testimony. "I can't start hunting for shoes and shirts just when I need them. I keep things in order so that I can pull out what I need when I need it." He's a stickler for cleanliness, a habit he picked up from his mother.
