Cooking really helps me unwind: Akriti Kakar

But apart from music, the other thing that she happily indulges in is cooking. Akriti spoke to CS about the joy she experiences making food for herself and others:

Precious mantra
Cooking really helps me unwind. I never go for the regular recipes. I start from wherever with whatever is available at that time in the refrigerator, essentially chicken though. The joy of feeding your loved ones remains the most precious to me. Sketching makes me put down my thoughts to paper but I'd still prefer cooking if I have to de-stress over that.

Like father, like daughter
I've grown up seeing my father passionately cook his own invented interesting style recipes for his daughters - rich and healthy both, but strictly non-vegetarian! I've perhaps picked up this trait of his and try to carry it forward occasionally, say after a not so great day or to surprise someone or as a making-up trick. It has always worked. I've been cooking since I was in my early teens. I have always liked to experiment with the most unusual and unlikely ingredients to feel creative. It's often turned out into quite a disaster too. (laughs)

Kitchen expert
My friends and family always ask me to make butter chicken, chicken red Thai curry, pasta carbonara, butter garlic fish and chicken keema. These apparently are my USP dishes that they make me repeat (smiles)

Blissed out
Fortunately I'm in a profession that was a passion first so I barely need recreation for which a hobby is essential. But since the lifestyles we lead are way more complicated than just singing and being happy about it, I indulge in cooking. It gives me a sense of liberation and makes me look forward to the reactions I would get from those I'm making it for. That joy you see on their faces makes me most happy. Good food is the key to happiness but only after music. (smiles) I say it out of personal experience. Try it even if you have never entered the kitchen. It's blissful.u00a0