“Yeh Kya Gareebo Ka Khaana Hai?” Was Vivek Agnihotri’s First Reaction To Maharashtrian Food 

Ahead of the release of The Bengal Files, the director Vivek Agnihotri and his wife, actor Pallavi Joshi, graciously invited our Editor-in-Chief, Kamiya Jani, to their gorgeous sunlit home in Mumbai. Over a memorable Sunday Brunch of Bhopali non-veg delicacies and healthy vegetarian fare, the Bollywood discussed their food and travel preferences, controversial opinions and much more. Vivek even candidly revealed his first reaction to Maharashtrian food. And it was far from love at first bite.

Vivek Agnihotri Used To Call Maharashtrian Food “Gareebo Ka Khaana”

While lounging and chatting with the filmy couple, Kamiya Jani asked Vivek Agnihotri if his wife had introduced him to any special Maharashtrian delicacies which he really caught a liking to. Pallavi Joshi immediately shared, “Main jo bhi banati thi inko kuch nahin pasand aata tha.” (Whatever Maharashtrian dishes I used to make, Vivek didn’t like any of them.)

She added, “He used to think, ‘Kya tum log yeh gareebo ka khaana khaate ho?'”Pallavi explained that Marathi food is very simple, as most dishes involve lightly sautéed vegetables. Vivek Agnihotri, who hails from Bhopal, was used to richly cooked food.  When he first tried Maharashtrian food, he called it “gareebo ka khaana” or “poor man’s food”. Throughout her life, Pallavi remembered her husband chiding her for her choice in food.

Also Read: This Is The One Thing Vivek Agnihotri Would Like To Change About India

He Later Embraced The Cuisine & Its Health Benefits

Ironically, that is exactly what Vivek Agnihotri eats right now. That’s because the filmmaker now realises the benefits of Maharashtrian food. Vivek reasoned that when he met Pallavi, he was used to Delhi’s Butter Chicken and food filled with masala and ghee.

The small portion sizes, lack of salt in Varan Bhat, and Kadhi without oily tempering, were things that seemed like culture shock for Vivek Agnihotri at first. He found the dishes to be leaning towards a ‘health food’ side rather than comfort food. Eventually, Pallavi Joshi adapted to North Indian food, while Vivek Agnihotri started eating simple food like his wife.

Also Read: Vivek Agnihotri & Pallavi Joshi Reveal Their First Meeting, Food Choices & More On Sunday Brunch With Kamiya Jani

Embracing Maharashtrian food completely, he called Marathi thalis “economical, healthy, and very good.” Well, what was your first reaction to Maharashtrian food? Let us know in the comments section below! Also, don’t forget to watch the entire Sunday Brunch episode on the Curly Tales’ YouTube channel!

Cover Image Courtesy: Internal