Deepika Padukone and Anushka Sharma have navigated distinct paths in their careers within the Hindi film industry, yet they share a common bond through their roots in Bengaluru. Deepika spent her formative years in the city, while Anushka also has significant ties there. In a recent interview, Ganesh Poojari, the director of the renowned Central Tiffin Room (CTR) in Bengaluru, recounted the excitement that ensued during visits from both actresses, along with their husbands—actor Ranveer Singh and cricketer Virat Kohli, respectively.
Speaking with Pinkvilla Biz, Ganesh revealed that he received a notification three days in advance about Anushka and Virat’s impending visit but initially dismissed it as a hoax. Despite receiving multiple calls from a local contact managing VIP access, he assumed it was merely hype. It wasn’t until the hours leading up to their arrival that he received a final confirmation call. “I was told they were actually at the venue in two cars. I still thought it was a joke until I saw them pull up,” he explained, noting that they promptly cleared an entire floor to accommodate the couple and their families, ensuring their comfort.
Ganesh described Anushka as “very approachable” during their interaction. When he inquired about how she discovered the restaurant, she reminisced about visiting CTR during her college days. “She mentioned it had been quite some time since her last visit but expressed that they had been longing to come back. So, they made it a point to fit this visit into their busy schedule,” he remarked.
While Ganesh recognized Virat’s significant fanbase in Bengaluru, he was unprepared for the overwhelming response it would generate for his establishment. “I’m not a cricket fan due to my hectic schedule, so I underestimated the potential impact. But it was far greater than I anticipated,” he reflected. He recalled the scene outside the restaurant as they were leaving, where the street was completely blocked by fans eager to catch a glimpse of the couple. “At that moment, we struggled to help them into their car because of the crowd,” he added.
Following this incident, Ganesh received a call from the local police station advising him to notify them in advance of any future celebrity visits to avoid potential issues. “We were unaware of this protocol, but hosting them was enjoyable and memorable,” he said, noting that Anushka and Virat’s visit took place in 2023.
Ganesh also reminisced about Ranveer and Deepika’s visit, sharing that they had learned about Deepika’s presence but were surprised by Ranveer’s arrival. He mentioned that Ranveer expressed gratitude to the chef after dining. In a lighthearted moment, he recounted how Ranveer playfully lifted one of the staff members, who was taken aback by the encounter. “It was quite amusing to see him freeze in surprise,” he concluded.
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