Do you remember that cute little boy from the cult classic 90s movie Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham? Well, he is now all grown up, has multiple movies under his credits, and is also the co-founder of one of Bandra’s most popular cafes, Grounded Cafe.
After mesmerizing everyone with his stunning performance in Ishq Vishq Rebound, actor Jibraan Khan is serving his fans with some of the best food and drinks in Bandra at Grounded Cafe, and it already has two branches! unstumbled had the opportunity to visit the cafe and engage in a fun and heartfelt conversation with the actor-entrepreneur himself. Check out the excerpts:
Fun Questions & A Rapid Fire Round: unstumbled X Actor Jibraan Khan
unstumbled: With a Muslim father and Parsi mother, how does the spread on the dining table look in your house?
Jibraan Khan: My mom, dad, and I are big-time foodies. We plan our day around food and always look forward to the next meal, especially dinner. Both Parsi and Muslim cuisines have a very similar profile. For example, Muslims have Yakhni Pulao and Dal Gosht, Parsis have Berry Pulao and Dhansak. So the dining table has always been filled with colorful and flavorful dishes.
unstumbled: We know you are a big-time foodie, but with your professional demands to be in shape, how do you strike a balance?
Jibraan Khan: The diet fluctuates a bit, no doubt because the demand of a character has to be considered. For me, food is my ultimate love, but my love for films helps me follow my diet strictly. So, yes, it is tough, but you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.
unstumbled: What is your morning ritual?
Jibraan Khan: I drink a glass of warm water as soon as I wake up. Then I eat eggs and come straight to Grounded for black coffee to get my brain started (laughs).
unstumbled: Do you cook? What can you cook best?
Jibraan Khan: I started enjoying cooking after I moved out of my parents’ house. I like inviting my friends over and trying different recipes. Cooking, I guess, has become therapeutic to me. Bihari Mutton, Pav Bhaji, and Pastas are some of the dishes that I think I cook the best.
unstumbled: Why did you open a cafe and not something like a full-fledged restaurant or a fine dining spot?
Jibraan Khan: Opening a cafe was a well-thought-out decision because I love the casual, approachable energy of a cafe. I always knew I wanted to feed people what I personally love to eat and drink. Whereas in a fine dining spot, you need to follow certain protocols, and there is a lot to learn, which maybe I am not ready for.
unstumbled: Why should one visit Grounded cafe, or what is that one factor that differentiates it from other Bandra cafes?
Jibraan Khan: Grounded is a place where you do not have to think much! The menu is thoughtfully designed, where I knew I did not want anything fancy that my customers would struggle to understand. Talking about the difference, I know one thing for a fact – our quality is consistent and exceptional, which can be a huge distinguishing factor.
Also Read: Bang Bang! Noodle: Interview With Founder Chef Rahul Punjabi
unstumbled: Which is that one dish from the menu that you resonate with the most, like it embodies your personality in the form of food?
Jibraan Khan: I like to be in everyone’s good books, so Cream Cheese Avocado Toast. I think it is that one dish that everyone likes.
unstumbled: If you could eat only one meal from Grounded Cafe for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Jibraan Khan: Truffle Scrambled Eggs. I’ve been eating them every day!
unstumbled: What is that one thing that you have learnt by far as a co-founder that maybe an acting career can never teach you?
Jibraan Khan: I think both these professions are very similar, as the core is to please people. The responsibility of making your audience or customers happy is a common thing.
unstumbled: Do you like Mumbai’s street food? Which is your favorite?
Jibraan Khan: Absolutely! Street food is the backbone of our city because we live such a fast-paced life. My favorite picks would be Mithibai’s vada pav, Jay’s sandwich in Khar, Ramu Dosa, Ayub Kebabs in Fort, and the list is never-ending!
Team unstumbled: Have you ever traveled solo? If not, would you like to?
Jibraan Khan: No. I live alone, so I get enough solo time there (laughs). I think the more people you have around, the more fun the trip is. So, no, life is too short to travel alone!
Team unstumbled: 3 cities in India that you have visited for food and believe everyone else must visit apart from Mumbai?
Jibraan Khan: Goa, Lucknow, Delhi, and Chennai. One bonus!
Team unstumbled: What is one fact about working in this industry that you would like to share with everyone who thinks it’s all glamour and glitz?
Jibraan Khan: People think acting is a very easy job, but I would beg to differ. I think it is one of the toughest jobs as you not only have to work on your acting skills but also have to look good, smell good, talk in a certain way, and so on. Everything that you do gets judged, and so you have to be more mentally prepared to face it all.
Team unstumbled: Do you have any plans to expand your food and beverage ventures by opening a new restaurant or perhaps entering the alco-bev industry, as some celebrities have done?
Jibraan Khan: Maybe you never know. But honestly, currently, that one plan in my mind is to have multiple outlets of Grounded in the next few years.
Also Read: From Flipping Pancakes To Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia: Chef Niyati Rao’s Journey
Rapid Fire
unstumbled: Beaches or Mountains. Choose one
Jibraan Khan: Mountains
unstumbled: Solo Trip Or Trip With Friends/ Family. Choose One
Jibraan Khan: Trip With Friends/ Family
unstumbled: Mutton Biryani or Dhansak. Choose one
Jibraan Khan: Mutton Biryani, always.
unstumbled: Weirdest Food Combo
Jibraan Khan: Sweet and Savory
unstumbled: Cheat meal
Jibraan Khan: Dal Chawal or Mutton Biryani by my mom or Indian Chinese or chocolate pancakes from Bastian.
unstumbled: What is food to Jibraan?
Jibraan Khan: Oxygen
unstumbled: Guilty-pleasure dessert?
Jibraan Khan: Matilda cake from Grounded
Also Read: Skincare Tips, Habits and More: In Conversation With Dermatologist Dr. Apratim Goel
Grounded Cafe, Bandra
Grounded cafe located in Bandra was a sweet way for actor Jibraan Khan to share his favorite flavors with his fans. True to its name, the cafe ditches the rules and protocols of a fine dining spot and instead is a sweet space with minimal interiors and approachable vibes. The menu is known to serve some of the simplest and most highly comforting dishes and drinks, making it a go-to restaurant for many people in Bandra and other places, too. If you are looking for a no-rush, approachable, cozy, and calming spot in Bandra, Actor Jibraan Khan has one for you!
Where: Outlet 1: Shop no.1, Natalwala Bungalow, 41, BJ Road, Mount Mary, Bandra West, Mumbai.
Outlet 2: Shop no 5, Ashok Apartment, Corner Of, Union Park Rd Number 5, Union Park, Pali Hill, Mumbai
