Latest news with #VadaPav
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Exclusive! Jackson Wang eats Vada Pav, Pani Puri and plays cricket in Mumbai: I want to soak in the culture and connect with Mumbaikars
Jackson Wang in Mumbai : Photos by: Prathamesh Bandekar After a whirlwind 12-hour flight, musician Jackson Wang wasn't prepared for a surprise massive welcome to Mumbai. Landing in the city on Tuesday morning, by noon he was already immersed in its vibrant culture. From playing cricket on Juhu beach to savoring Mumbai's iconic vada pav and paani puri, Jackson explored the city with Bombay Times. 'I just landed into this massive big production ceremony. I wasn't prepared for it, ' the 31-year-old quips. 'Dahi Puri is my favourite' During an exclusive photoshoot with Bombay Times, Jackson tried Mumbai's street food - Vada Pav and Paani Puri. 'Although it was a little spicy, I really like it. That thing they put in the middle, the mashed potatoes, I really love that. However, my favourite was the Dahi Puri,' he tells us. Not stopping there, he squeezed fresh sugarcane juice on the bustling streets of Bandra, causing quite a stir—fans nearby were literally swooning at the sight. Next stop was finding the perfect ethnic kurta for him, which he picked in ten minutes. "I will wear the Kurta on my way back home. And I will love to wear it in China, I think it will be a hit," he says. Jackson later took a leisurely stroll on Juhu beach, where he was swiftly roped in by a group of youngsters for a game of cricket. Initially nervous, as he was playing cricket after a long time, the LMLY hitmaker got so grooved, that he did hit a few balls and even bowled a few. 'Playing cricket reminded me of my high school days. I had so much fun,' he shares with a nostalgic smile. Jackson Wang eating street food: Photos by: Prathamesh Bandekar 'Mumbai was the place I really wanted to come' This marks Jackson's second sojourn to India—the first being in 2023 for a concert. 'I feel every time when I visit a place it's always been about following a schedule. This time, I just wanted to travel as a human, explore off the beaten path, dive deep into the local market. Mumbai was the place I really wanted to come to,' he adds. His previous trip was star-studded, with Bollywood's Hrithik Roshan graciously hosting him for dinner. Rumours swirl about another meeting on the horizon. On that, Jackson remarks, 'He is a superstar. If he is free, I would love to catch up. But honestly, I just want to go everywhere, soak in the culture, and truly connect with the locals.' He also adds, "The last time when I performed in India, the energy from Mumbai was another level. Everyone was partying like there is no tomorrow. They were having more fun than me. One of the most meaningful and memorable experience today, aside from all these delicious food, was me being able to meet my community. I met a few such people today and it felt good." Jackson Wang in Mumbai: Photos by: Prathamesh Bandekar 'As an artist, you're supposed to express what happens to you' Speaking about his music, Jackson emphasizes his hands-on approach: 'I direct and write everything myself.' His upcoming album, Magic Man 2 , is yet another bold concept from the artist. 'There's no 'inspiration' per se. It's based on what I've experienced. As an artist, you're supposed to express what happens to you. This album is incredibly personal; it's about how you deal with emotions," he shares, adding, "I was brought into the entertainment industry at such an early age of 19. I didn't have experience in society or the industry. I just followed, shut up and listened to everyone. But through 10 years, I experienced so much of the dark side and the curveballs of how reality and humanity is." 'I was blown away by Diljit's performance' His latest track Buck features Indian singer Diljit Dosanjh, whom Jackson met at Coachella nearly four years ago. 'I performed right before him, and after my set, I watched his performance—I was blown away. I thought, 'I really want to work with him one day.' Then, two or three years later, I made a song and thought, 'Hey, Diljit would kill this.' So I invited him, and luckily, he said yes.' Sharing a fun tidbit from their collaboration, Jackson laughs, 'When we met on set, he told me he had screenshotted a picture of me six months before I invited him because he liked my earrings. I guess it was just meant to happen." Jackson Wang in Mumbai: Photos by: Prathamesh Bandekar 'Was awestruck by Hrithik's Ek Pal Ka Jeena' Jackson also expresses deep admiration for Indian music and dance. 'Last time in India, Hrithik showed me his Ek Pal ka Jeena video, and I was awestruck. Indian music videos are next level—the dance isn't just dancing anymore. It's movement and emotion, expressing something beyond words." He gushes, 'I also love the movie RRR—the dance sequences are breathtaking. I've even watched The White Tiger and loved it's uncliched ending. " On a parting note, as his Mumbai exploration has just begun, the Pretty Please singer is looking forward to see another side of the city. "I want to witness and see another side of Mumbai," he concludes.
News18
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Noodle-Stuffed Medu Vada Burger Leaves Internet Baffled
Last Updated: Some hail the Medu Vada Noodles Burger as a creative fusion, but South Indian food purists aren't impressed, calling it a bizarre twist on a beloved classic A unique street food creation from Maharashtra is currently taking social media by storm, captivating food enthusiasts and sparking a lively debate. The dish in question is the Medu Vada Noodles Burger. This innovative twist on the traditional South Indian Medu Vada has left people astonished. A street vendor has ingeniously transformed the Medu Vada into a burger by slicing the vada in half, adding layers of chutney and mayonnaise, and stuffing it with noodles before serving it with coconut chutney. This novel creation, priced at just Rs 20, has people queuing up to try it. Watch The Video Here The video showcasing this dish, shared by the Instagram handle '@thegreatindianfoodie', has gone viral. In the clip, the vendor is seen meticulously preparing the dish on his cart, much to the delight of onlookers. While some hail the Medu Vada Noodles Burger as a creative culinary fusion, others, particularly South Indian food purists, are less enthusiastic. Critics have taken to social media, with one user lamenting, 'My South Indian ancestors would have fainted after seeing this," and another suggesting, 'A separate law should be made for this." Despite the controversy, there is undeniable curiosity about this dish. Many agree that it is worth trying at least once, even if it might seem like an audacious experiment. Some have likened it to a fusion of Vada Pav and Chinese cuisine, dubbing it a new trend in Mumbai's street food scene. First Published: June 11, 2025, 19:25 IST
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Director of Rs 800 crore blockbuster, once sold eggs, worked as a sweeper for a living. A look at Laxman Utekar's inspiring journey
First Steps into the World of Cinema Rising Through the Ranks A Director with a Midas Touch Today, he may be on top of the world, with a lot of blockbusters to his name, but do you know that ' Chhaava ' director Laxman Utekar once used to sell eggs to earn a living? In an interview with Mama's Couch, the filmmaker revealed his uncle brought him to Mumbai at the age of four, and he started selling eggs in front of a bar in Mumbai. He even operated a Vada Pav stall in Shivaji the Ganpati festival, Laxman found yet another way to contribute to his family's income. Many people, unwilling to step out of their air-conditioned cars, needed help immersing Ganesh idols into the water. Laxman and his friends seized the opportunity, offering to perform the ritual for a small fee of Rs. 5. They would then split the money among themselves—a small sum, but a big step for boys trying to get by in a big entry into the film industry was not through a glamorous audition or a film school degree. Instead, it began with a newspaper ad for a sweeper's job at a film studio. With no knowledge of filmmaking or the complex world behind the camera, he started by cleaning washrooms and mopping studio floors. Despite not understanding the technical jargon or the purpose behind each scene, Laxman remained he continued to work, he began delivering tea to the staff in the sound and editing rooms. That small task opened a window into a world he would one day dominate. His interest grew with each passing day, and he often stayed back after work, quietly observing the crew. He soaked in the atmosphere, watching closely, trying to make sense of every shot, every command, every scene. What began as a janitor's job slowly turned into an education in first professional break came in 2007, when he worked as a cinematographer in Khanna and Iyer. His talent soon earned him bigger projects, including the critically acclaimed English Vinglish, starring the legendary Sridevi, and Dear Zindagi, which further cemented his reputation. In 2014, he made his directorial debut with the Marathi film 2019, he struck gold with Luka Chuppi, a romantic comedy that earned Rs. 128 crore at the box office. But it was Chhaava, his historical epic starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, that redefined his career. The film grossed over Rs. 800 crore and became one of the year's biggest selling eggs to directing blockbusters, Laxman Utekar's life is a testament to resilience, ambition, and the magic of dreams pursued relentlessly.
NDTV
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Viral Now: Woman Dining Alone At Spanish Cafe Gets A Cute And Unexpected Companion, Internet Approves
Quick Take Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. Dining alone can be challenging for some individuals. A cafe in Spain surprised a solo diner with a teddy bear. The waiter positioned the bear to mimic a listening gesture. Dining alone at restaurants is not always easy for everyone. While some may enjoy the solitude, others may feel lonely in a room filled with people dining with someone else. Recently, a solo diner at a cafe in Spain got a sweet surprise when she told the waiter she had come alone. Instagram user @cameliakatz shared a video of her experience, and it has since gone viral. We see the waiter take up a giant teddy bear from nearby and place it on the chair in front of her at the same table. Also Read: Hong Kong Vlogger Speaks Marathi To Order Vada Pav In Mumbai, Wins Hearts Online That's not all. The waiter took pains to position the teddy bear's arms such that it mimicked a "listening pose" of sorts - one arm was placed below its chin while the other was on the armrest of the chair near its hip. "He's so cute," the woman says in delight. She can be seen smiling widely at the end of the clip. In the caption, she wrote, "PLEASE the way he posed it [teddy bear emoji]. I truly felt the love in Spain." Watch the complete viral video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Camelia 💕 (@cameliakatz) The concept shown in the reel has won many hearts online. Here's how Instagram users reacted in the comments section: "The waiter is pookie coded." "I love this so much." "The more I rewatch, the bigger my smile is getting." "Hahaha, that's both sweet of him and also now I'm painfully embarrassed." "I would specifically go there alone just to experience that." "The teddy is listening very intently." "I think teddy is thinking something." "Honestly, it's super admirable that you're comfortable eating alone! Having solo meals can be really empowering. Keep shining, bestie!" "It is not for alone people, it is on every table. You can see that at the back, 3 people were sitting, but still it is there. Btw, it is still cute."
Indian Express
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Billionaire Sridhar Vembu tries his first vada pav in Mumbai, netizens react: ‘Bliss in summer'
Indian billionaire and Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu recently tried Mumbai's beloved street food, vada pav, for the first time. In a post on X, Vembu shared the experience by attaching a photo of himself in the city, standing in front of a local snack stall and holding a vada pav. Vembu, who has a net worth of $5.8 billion according to Forbes, expressed surprise at never having tried the popular snack before. 'Enjoying vada pav in Mumbai. First time in life. How did I miss it all this while pav,' he wrote. Enjoying vada pav in Mumbai. First time in life. How did I miss it all this while 😁 — Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) April 24, 2025 With over three lakh views, the post quickly gained traction as many social media users were surprised about Vembu eating a vada pav for the first time. 'wow! first time? in all these years? damn,' a user wrote. 'My favourite snack – vada pav of mumbai. No other place can match that. I am already drooling,' another user commented. 'Did you enjoy it? Maharashtrian food is very simple. From leftover crisps of frying vada pav they make the chutney. It is filling and delicious,' a third user said. 'This is bliss in summers,' a fourth user commented. Other public figures who have been spotted enjoying vada pav during their time in Mumbai include Apple CEO Tim Cook and Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma. In 2023, during his visit to India for the launch of Apple Store BKC and Apple Store Saket, Cook was photographed the day before the BKC store's grand opening, sharing a vada pav with Madhuri Dixit at a popular vegetarian restaurant in South Mumbai's Tardeo area. Can't think of a better welcome to Mumbai than Vada Pav! — Madhuri Dixit Nene (@MadhuriDixit) April 17, 2023 During his visit to Mumbai in 2024 for his concert, Bryan Adams was seen eating the city's famous vada pav. He described it as 'the most delicious vegan street dish… so damn good!'
