Rahul Vaidya: "Rubina Dilaik And I Have A Very Tom-and-Jerry Kind Of Bond..."

Social media personality and talented singer Rahul Vaidya speaks to whosthat360 exclusively. In this conversation, he opens up about his current show, 'Laughter Chefs' and his bond with Rubina Dilaik and much more.

Here are a few edited excerpts from this conversation...

What sets this season of ‘Laughter Chefs Unlimited Entertainment' apart from the previous one?

This season brings a fresh crop of laughter chefs and dives deep into their delightful cooking journeys! But let's get one thing clear – this show isn't about who can whip up the finest dishes. It's about the crackling chemistry among the laughter chefs, their hilarious mishaps, and unexpected culinary wins that keep the entertainment piping hot. We're sticking to the heart of what makes this show a hit – simplicity, fun, and those unfiltered kitchen blunders that have you laughing out loud!

Photo Credit: Instagram

How excited are you to cook food with your partner Rubina Dilaik?

I'm thrilled! Although, I must admit, I've shed a few kilos ever since we started cooking together. Rubina's like a no-nonsense headmistress – disciplined, sharp, and precise. We have a very Tom-and-Jerry kind of a bond. She is very on point with her principles and never steals ingredients from other counters, but she gets me to borrow ingredients from the rest of the laughter chefs. Rubina's dictionary is something else and she uses words like glycemic index and spatula so I'm trying my best to figure out what she's saying. Many people have assumed that Rubina and I are rivals; we're not. Just because I didn't get along with Rubina on Bigg Boss 15, doesn't mean that I'll resent her for the rest of my life. I think life is short and uncertain. It's best to make amends and move on. 

Do you miss anyone from the previous season?

I miss my cooking partner from the previous season Aly Goni a lot because we have a solid brotherly bond. I had a lot of fun cooking with him. The fun that I had with Aly, cannot be replicated with Rubina The energy we had was unmatched. I think this season is my time to shine. Aly is an incredible cook, so back then, my contributions often took a backseat. I was the guy washing and chopping vegetables – the unsung hero of meal prep! But now, with Rubina, my cooking skills are finally stepping into the spotlight.

Photo Credit: Instagram

Who are the better chefs – the old ones or the new ones?

This show is about dishing out entertainment while preparing food, it isn't a cooking show per se. That's what sets it apart. Each laughter chef has their flavour of comedy and when it comes to it, we're all as good as each other with our unique strengths. 

Do you treat your wife with something that you have cooked?

No, she's the one to treat me to her cooking. By the time I'm home, I have no energy to cook anything. Everyone at home thinks that I'm running my own Laughter Chefs. My family members mock me, telling me that I shouldn't think of myself as Chef Harpal. They warn to eat whatever is cooked at home.  

What difference has the show made to your life?

Before this show, my culinary expertise was limited to omelets and chai. But now? I've leveled up! I can cook pav bhaji and baingan ka bharta – two dishes I can't wait to surprise my family with. More importantly, this show has changed the way I see food. I no longer just eat; I savour. I can now tell if a dish is missing a dash of salt, a squeeze of lemon, or a pinch of masala. Cooking has given me a new appreciation for every ingredient, every effort that goes into making a meal. It's been a journey – from a clueless eater to a somewhat experienced cook!