'I'd love to play Raj from DDLJ' - Vikas Khanna

Early movie influences

I've been obsessed with Raj Kapoor for as long as I can remember. I believe Satyam Shivam Sundaram is one of the greatest movies ever made. I'm not saying this because of Zeenat Aman's beauty but because the film gave people a whole new perspective on what beauty really is. Raj Kapoor defined beauty so beautifully!

Sexiest yesteryear actress

Madhubala was and will always be the sexiest Indian actress. When I want to show Americans what Indian beauty is all about, I show them pictures of Madhubala. And they are mesmerised by her because she looks like a piece of Indian art work from the Mughal era. I am in love with her to date.

Favourite film

The one film I truly love is Satayjit Ray's Mahanagar – The Big City. The film portrays the trials and tribulations a woman has to go through when she's compelled to earn a living for her family. It released in 1963 and back then, a woman being the breadwinner was unheard of. In fact, my favourite scene in the film is when the protagonist earns her first rupee. She's so overwhelmed about earning that rupee on her own that she goes to the washroom, holds the rupee close to her heart and stares blankly into the mirror. That scene is so powerful. You know, something similar happened to me in America. When I earned my first 100 dollars, I went inside the bathroom with the money and held it close because I didn't know how to react. Of course, I watched Mahanagar much later but I connected with it instantly.

Repeat value

There are two movies I can watch on repeat. Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bhaduri's (now Bachchan), Khamoshi and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayange (DDLJ). Khamoshi is one of the most touching stories I've watched. And DDLJ is my favourite love story. I know it sounds cheesy but I love the film. Wonder why they don't make films like these anymore. Evidently, these were made for the love of movies. There was no pretence and every frame was original. When DDLJ released, I saw it in the theatre every day for two weeks. People actually began to think I worked in the theatre (Laughs).

Songs on loop

Believe it or not but the song I listen to often is Waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam. Also, I love AR Rahman and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's music. I can listen to their songs all day, every day.

Biggest fan moment

My biggest fan moment was when I met Kajol on one of my recent trips to India. The funny thing is that I couldn't remember her name. I addressed her as Simran from DDLJ because I am still stuck in that time capsule. It was nice of her not to get offended. She just laughed and said that if I could cook well, I could be forgiven for everything.

One chef film that rocked

So many movies have been made on the lives of chefs. But Julie & Julia, where Meryl Streep plays chef Julia Child, is my personal favourite. I was on the set of the film when Meryl was filming an important scene and her dedication blew my mind. Truth being told, Meryl learnt how to cook every dish for the film. I was rather intrigued by this 17 time Oscar nominee learning how to cook for a movie. Also, I found Amitabh Bachchan sensual in Cheeni Kum.

Inspiring actresses

Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi are my idols. These women came out of nowhere, conquered the Hindi film industry and are legends today. These two actresses prove the proverb – if you can dream, you can achieve. In my opinion, even Katrina Kaif deserves credit. She's come from another country and made it so big here. I respect people who come from nowhere and make it because I share the same fate. I've come up the hard way.

Dream role

I'd love to play the role of Raj from DDLJ. Having said that, I don't think anyone can do it better than Shah Rukh Khan.

Genres I love

I love love stories and family dramas. Simple stories of love, sacrifice and passion appeal to me. You can call my taste poor or B-grade but this is who I am. Films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham make for great entertainment.

Finest actors

Javier Bardem and Jack Nicholson are the finest actors I've ever come across. They portray every role earnestly. Javier is good-looking as well (Laughs).

Hollywood Bollywood

The one actress in this industry that has what it takes to be a Hollywood star is Deepika Padukone. She's athletic yet sexy and has great legs (Winks).

Compliments galore

Richard Gere once told me that mine wasn't just the best Indian food he had tasted but the best food he had ever had. Also, in my 25 years of being in the kitchen, the only person who tried to kill my cooking career is Gordon Ramsay. I was on a show with him and he kept proclaiming that I was too good-looking to be a chef (Laughs). I guess that's because I preach healthy Indian food and also live it. Lastly, if the President of America (Barack Obama) digs your food, you must've done something right.