Payal turns interior designer

By: Upala KBR, Mid-Day

Friday, April 28, 2006

Payal Rohatgi, electronics engineer, actress and model, has just added another feather to her professional cap - that of an interior designer. Payal has just completed decorating her new home on the fourth floor of Sameer Apartments, Versova, near actress Manisha Koirala's building. A chat with Payal on her new home...

New home

I used to stay at Bandra Bandstand earlier, in a rented apartment. This is my first home, bought with my earnings. It's my own place. It makes me feel grounded and gives me a sense of security. I liked the calmness when I stepped into the flat. I am a very private person and don't like partying much. My home makes me happy, it gives me roots.

Space intact

It wasn't just that this was a bigger flat. I longed for a home of my own. My family in Ahmedabad is very happy that I finally have my own home. My new flat is has two bedrooms and is 980 square foot in area. I couldn't afford an interior designer, so I have decorated the flat myself, picking up stuff from everywhere.

The look of my flat is very basic and comfortable - beige, with lots of other earthy colours and wooden knick-knacks. I bought my furniture from a store in Malad.

Favorite decoration

In my bedroom, there is a very nice wall hanging, which I specially designed. It's a basic wooden frame with a sponge gaddi and lots of family pictures - my mom, brother, grandfather and other family members. It reminds me of home and my family, especially when I miss them.

Kitchen encounters

Basic stuff like the oven and mixer-grinder is there. I have recently started cooking and can make paneer ki sabzi and gobi-mutter very well.

Kathak ki kali

I have been learning kathak under Pandit Viru Krishna for more than a month. When I did the song for Corporate, I realised how flexible one had to be. I want to look and work the best in whatever I do, so decided to take up kathak classes. I have time now and want to do meatier roles. It's been tough getting up every day early morning and going for classes, but I have decided I will continue them for at least six months more. They put me in a different world.

36 China Town

My next release is 36 China Town, which is a murder mystery. There are seven suspects, and I am one of them. Shahid, Kareena, Akshaye and directors Abbas-Mustan were all down-to-earth, nice people, who were very patient and kind to me.

Adlibbing with AB

I did an battery ad, directed by dada (Pradeep Sarkar),with Amitabh Bachchan. He is one of the most professional and down-to-earth people I have ever met.

Madhur ke taal par

I have done the song O Sikander in Corporate. When Madhur asked if I would do the song, I immediately agreed. I play an actress in the film. Who wouldn't want to work with a National Award-winning director like Madhur?