You love him for his witty banter, brilliant acting skills, that voice, or those soulful eyes; but did you know that actor Sanjay Dutt loves to eat and cook?
Yes, our dear Munna Bhai, who's celebrating his 57th birthday today, is well-known for his love of all things delicious. But here's the best part: there's actually a famous chicken dish that's Sanju Baba's brainchild.
Chicken Sanju Baba is a real thing, and a big deal. Allow us to explain: you aren't a real foodie if you've been to Mumbai and missed out on the delicacies sold at Mohammed Ali Road, especially the Chicken Sanju Baba, at Noor Mohammadi Hotel.
Sanjay Dutt is a patron of this eatery (also famous for its nalli nahari, which is the actor's favourite dish there) since 1986, and he first shared his special chicken recipe, with restaurant owner Khalid Hakimi and his chefs, in 2010.
Hakimi immediately put the spicy, gravy-based dish on the menu of his restaurant, and it has been selling better than hot biryani ever since! Earlier this year, on the very day when Sanjay Dutt was released after serving his jail term, this drool-worthy dish was served free to all of Hakimi's customers!
Although we don't have the full recipe, anybody can get a closer look at the ingredients that go into Sanju Baba's signature dish. The list is signed, framed and hanging on the restaurant's wall for all to see.
The special bit about the recipe is that it uses whole spices instead of ground ones. One taste and you'll realise this is just what gives the dish its depth of flavour. You can totally try this recipe out on the basis of this ingredient list:
ChickenCurdGingerKashmiri mirchAlmondCumin seeds (jeera)Coriander seeds (dhaniya)Onions, choppedDry bay leaf (tej patta)Large cardamom pod (elaichi)SaffronLime juiceGreen onionsSalt, to tasteOil or ghee
If you want to try this dish (which you definitely should), but don't want to cook at home, just get yourself to Noor Mohammadi Hotel in Mumbai.
If you're staying in Delhi and are worried you'll miss out on the dish, here's some good news--chef Pawan Bisht at Junglee Billee in Greater Kailash 1 serves his own adaptation of this very recipe!
Get a taste of the delicious Chicken Sanju Baba to celebrate your favourite actor's birthday!