Everything feels aapnu in Amdavad: Mallhar

As an Amdavadi, I feel an immediate sense of pride in how much the city has grown,” says Mallhar, who joined us for a shoot to mark Ahmedabad Foundation Day. The actor talks about what the city has given him, why he loves the food here and more.

Excerpts: ‘People have started taking Ahmedabad seriously now’ Ahmedabad ek aisa sheher hai, jahan pe aap khul ke reh sakte ho. There is a different vibe here, which provides a sense of community and comfort and allows you to build a base for your personal and professional growth. Here, you know everyone, and everyone knows you. Everything feels ‘aapnu’, so you never hesitate to talk about the city with anyone. When we step out of Gujarat, and people discuss Ahmedabad seriously, it’s a proud feeling.

People have started taking the city seriously now. I hear many saying, ‘Ahmedabad bahot develop ho gaya hai’, and I just feel like abhi toh aapne kuch nahi dekha Ahmedabad mein (smiles)! Calling myself an Amdavadi is a wholesome feeling. ‘Food is my favourite element about the city’ Food is my favourite element about the city. The more I visit other places, the more I realise that Ahmedabad jaisa food kahin pe nahi milta. Even during my growing up years, my hangout spots were usually the food joints.

I love visiting Khaman House, Jashuben Shah Old Pizza and the famous pav bhaji outlets. I distinctly remember going to a food joint named Timbaktu when we lived in Satadhar. Today, cafés are the city’s go-to hangout spots and many of them still serve my childhood favourites.

I keep going back for those familiar tastes. Also, it feels amazing to have started our first cafe in Ahmedabad. ‘Grateful for the fan base in the city’ My acting journey started in Ahmedabad, from theatre to films, and the love I have received is beyond words.

The love they show to my films here – in fact, any venture that I start, Amdavadis are always there to support me, and I am very grateful for that. To know that you are touching so many people through your work, in your own city, is a beautiful feeling. The fan base I enjoy here is very close to my heart. I feel the city has offered me sukh, shanti, and samruddhi.

And this city connected me to my wife (actress Puja Joshi). Though she is from Mumbai, the city connected us during our web series shoot. ‘I still love the old city’ There has been tremendous growth when it comes to lifestyle and exposure. What was a luxury for us earlier is common now. For example, in childhood, eating a vada pav or a pizza outside was a delight. Today, it’s not such a big deal. Back then, we never had a chance to listen to our favourite singers live; today, we have every big performer or band coming to the city. Honestly, I am an old-school guy and still love the old city, which we have grown up in.

But I equally like modern Ahmedabad. All the artistes who want to start their careers in Ahmedabad should stay patient and keep working hard. Success may arrive instantly, or it may take its own sweet time — but this city always finds a way to surprise you