Indrans reveals his love for traditional vegetarian dishes

Actor Indrans has made the Malayali audience laugh out loud with his skinny features and unique voice for decades before making a fabulous transition into one of the most bankable character artists. The award-winning actor, who has always been passionate about books and movies, had made his way into the industry as a busy costume designer. He surprised everyone with his spectacular performance in Alorukkam which won him the state award for best actor in 2018.

When movie stars are busy following rigorous and unique diets to stay in shape, Indrans is one actor who doesn’t need any at all. Indrans is not a picky eater and would love to try out vegetarian dishes from around the world. Traditional vegetarian dishes like sambar, pulissery, idli and rice are his favourite dishes. He doesn’t like to overeat and prefers eating what is just required. Indrans talks ‘food’ from the location of his new movie Meppadiyan at Irattupetta. 

Indrans had always wished to put on some weight when he was skinny and lean. However, the actor gave up this dream when he realised that would happen only if he switches to a non-vegetarian diet. Indrans says he felt disappointed when he couldn’t put on weight despite including a variety of foods in his diet.

He confesses he had later felt regret over trying to change his physique. Indrans believes that his physique had played a vital role in making him one of the well-known faces in Malayalam cinema. Besides, he used to work out regularly as well. 

“I think it is better not to tell anything to those who worry about their skinny bodies, especially in this age. Their attitude and food habits are totally different. Our ideas or advice may seem outdated for them. I do not go out to eat with my friends. I usually turn down such invitations as I cannot eat too much food. My stomach gets filled even when I have a very little amount of food,” says Indrans.

Food memories

“In my childhood days, we used to share whatever food we had with all the siblings. We would always keep aside a part of whatever is there to eat for the one who is not with us at the time. We never had any preferences and didn’t fight over food. I am someone who cannot cook,” notes the actor.

Chinese food and chopsticks

A video of Indrans trying to eat using chopsticks when he went to China to attend the Shanghai film festival in 2019 had become viral on social media. He had shared the video, in which a waiter in a hotel is trying hard to teach Indrans how to use chopsticks. Sharing the video, Indrans wrote, “Poor man, only if he knew Malayalam, he would have asked me to eat with hands.”

Food preferences

Indrans’ wife Shantakumari says that the actor prefers traditional vegetarian dishes the most. “He doesn’t have any demands when it comes to food. He would be full after he eats just one or two idlis or dosas. He likes sambar or urad dal chutney powder with dosa,” says Shantakumari.

However, Indrans often encourages his daughter-in-law Swathi when she tries out new recipes from Youtube videos. Shantakumari says it is rare that they go out to eat food from hotels. “He eats whatever food that is cooked at home. No one in this house puts on or losses weight as we follow an ordinary diet,” notes Shantakumari.