Ramola Bachchan’s cocktail confidential

One must never be afraid to take up a challenge — that could well be Ramola Bachchan’s philosophy of life. Wife of actor Amitabh’s brother Ajitabh, this ex-airhostess, charity fundraiser, solicitor and recently turned restaurateur likes to dive into every adventure headlong. “Especially, of late, I find myself even more doing the things I haven’t done for a long time,” says Ramola. “Like someone recently asked me to walk the ramp at a fashion show and I said, Why not?”

Her latest venture sees her having more than some kitchen sink drama. “I thought it would be fun,” says Ramola of her culinary TV show. “I really enjoy food, especially good continental fare. Besides, I can cook quite well.”

For someone who was the toast of London’s Asian society set for almost 20 long years, a shift back to the capital city two years ago was “seamlessly easy”. And while she may still do her fundraising and throw parties at her Vasant Vihar residence, Ramola shockingly states, “I’m not a social butterfly. Yes, I consider myself to be among the privileged but I like to use that to give back what I have got.” Would having a famous surname also have helped? “Absolutely!” she states. “I’m proud of it. Today, I don’t feel the need to be seen that much and I only go for a social function if it’s necessary; I’m a working girl,” she explains.

Into that periscope comes her work for NGO Khushii that helps empowerment of women and Manre — a chic eatery that was recently nominated by Conde Nast Traveler 2009 as one of the four ‘Hot List Tables’ in India. “We were the only stand-alone place, the other nominations were in a five-star,” she says.

If there were rumours that her move back has her looking for a role in politics, she refutes that outright. And any rumours that she and Ajitabh might be estranged are “just par for the course,” she states. “We’re very close, very supportive of each other and discuss things openly. Ajitabh may be in Mumbai due to his work and I have mine in Delhi, but we’re a close-knit family,” she says, referring to her three daughters and son. “The kids may be away and I prefer to allow them to find their own way; I guess I’m not strict but a liberated mother.”

For now, with plans to open a fine dining restaurant in Mumbai and her dance classes in between, it leaves little time for all else. “Now my idea of a fun night out is staying in. My home is comfy, not a showpiece — I don’t feel the need for that anymore!”