Cruise's Tikka Triumph
In a remarkable turn of events on August 21, 2021, amidst the lingering global pandemic, a familiar Hollywood face made an unexpected appearance at Asha's,
a highly-regarded Michelin-starred establishment in Birmingham. Tom Cruise, accompanied by his film crew, including director Christopher McQuarrie, arrived while filming 'Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One'. The surprise visit left the restaurant staff astonished, particularly when Cruise, after enjoying his initial Chicken Tikka Masala, requested a second serving with an even more intense level of spice. This particular dish became a memorable part of his visit, earning him the affectionate nickname 'two tikka Tom' among the restaurant's team. He also savored the Palak Paneer, adding to the memorable experience for the Birmingham branch of Asha's.
A Chef's Childhood Passion
This celebrated incident served as a potent reminder of Asha Bhosle's profound love for both cooking and savoring exquisite food, a passion cultivated since her youth. Her formative years were spent traveling extensively with her father's theatrical troupe, Dinanath Mangeshkar, exposing her to a diverse array of culinary experiences. This early fascination with different cuisines evolved into a lifelong pursuit, significantly influencing her decision to establish the restaurant chain that bears her name. The extensive, pan-Indian menu offered at Asha's is a testament to this lifelong dedication and her desire to explore and present the breadth of Indian gastronomy.
From Dream to Reality
The inception of the Asha's restaurant chain might not have materialized were it not for a fortunate encounter sparked by a Gulf News interview. In the late 1990s, during a visit to Dubai for concert performances, Asha Bhosle shared her lifelong dream of opening an Indian eatery. This candid revelation caught the attention of Emirati entrepreneur Sheikh Manna-bin-Halifa al Makhtoum, who subsequently initiated discussions with the legendary singer. Contrary to a simple endorsement deal, Asha Bhosle insisted on actively participating in the venture. She personally undertook the crucial task of training the initial chefs, Sachin Tilak and Salim Qureshi, for the Dubai restaurant, which officially opened its doors in 2002 under the management of her son, Anand.
A Culinary Tapestry
The enduring success and international expansion of the Dubai restaurant, which opened in 2002, underscore the powerful appeal of Asha Bhosle's diverse culinary offerings. Her table is known for its eclectic range, reflecting a lifetime of culinary exploration and influences. Guests could find anything from momos, a dish she learned from Mala Sinha, to the renowned Peshawari biryani, a favorite of Raj Kapoor. Additionally, her repertoire includes a delectable boneless chicken preparation featuring coconut gravy, ginger, garlic, and almonds, a recipe she acquired from the wife of lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri, who was an expert in Awadhi cuisine.
Entertaining Bollywood Elite
Asha Bhosle's culinary prowess was not only a personal passion but also a cornerstone of her hospitality, especially during her marriage to composer R.D. Burman. Known as an epicurean, Burman frequently hosted gatherings, often with unexpected large numbers of guests. Bhosle recalled entertaining Bollywood's Who's Who, including luminaries like Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Sanjeev Kumar (who particularly enjoyed her Kali Dal and Goan Fish Curry), Dev Anand, Yash Chopra, the Kapoor family (fond of her paya), Jeetendra, Zeenat Aman, Rajesh Khanna, and Dilip Kumar. Burman frequently expressed pride in her cooking, requesting her to prepare meals for his guests multiple times a week. The highest praise, according to Bhosle, came from Randhir Kapoor, who humorously suggested she should abandon singing for cooking.
