Posted:
I want to make maachher tok for Akshay Kumar: Doyel Sarangi
Doyel Sarangi, a housewife from Kolkata, has come a long way to become one of the top three contestants of MasterChef India. In town for an event, Doyel talks about her journey so far, how she'd love to give Bengalis' very own mishti doi a twist and more...How did you end up participating in MasterChef India?
I followed all the episodes for two years. Cooking is an addiction for me. It was my husband, Pritam Sarkar, who insisted I participate in the show. He used to say, 'I can see you standing there.' But I never took him seriously. This year, I finally decided to audition for the show. However, I wasn't serious about it. Later, when I started clearing the rounds one after the other, I gained confidence.
When did you start cooking?
I cook since I was in Class VI. My dad was a fantastic cook who taught me the basics. Then I took it up again after marriage. My husband is a big foodie. Or jonnye experiment korte korte ekhane asha. My in-laws supported me a lot.
Have you got any formal training in cooking?
No, but I love to eat. I would watch cookery shows on TV and learn. Sanjeev Kapoor's Khana Khazana is one of my favourite shows. My husband would get cookery books for me. I used to make chocolate cake in a pressure cooker, like my ma-mashi would do. Now, after going on the show, I learnt how to use a microwave. But I do intend to take formal training once the show is over.
Did you get all ingredients listed in the cookbooks?
You find everything in Kolkata. So many 'exotic' ingredients that I tasted during the show, can be easily acquired in Kolkata. I love grocery shopping.
How has MasterChef changed your life?
It is still the same. To tell the truth, I don't want my life to change. But yes, I do want to earn money and move out from my rented accommodation. I want a better life for my two-year-old son, Dhitang. But the show has definitely been a learning process for me. Now when my episodes are aired, my little boy would point at the TV and say, 'Maa dekhabe'.
One celebrity you want to cook for.
I would want to make maachher tok for Akshay Kumar. I know uni oita chete-pute khaben. And I would love to make something for Soumitra Chatterjee, Goutam Ghose and Anjan Dutt.
What are the most and least appreciated ingredient used in Kolkata?
Bengalis love to use Panch phoron. I would put it anytime in all the dishes. On the show, people would come and ask me what have I put and I would say, 'keno bolbo?' The least appreciated ingredient is til (sesame seeds). It can be used any time of the year and put in various dishes for a crispy feel and nice flavour, which we hardly do in Kolkata.
What are your future plans?
I want to buy a house for myself. Then I want to go for a fixed deposit for my son. I want to write a book on the rural cuisines of India. Also I want to open a restaurant cum cafe where people can have adda and spend as much time as they want to. I will name it Dhitang Dhitang Bole, after my son.
Have you thought of giving Bengal's very own mishti doi a new twist?
I want to present mishti doi in a jelly form. Then I want to wrap a sandesh in aam sotto and present it with doi jelly. So, it will be inherently Bengali with a modern twist.
Hindi TV Shows
Bade Achche Lagte Hain Naya Season
Cricket
Kundali Bhagya
