A new cookery show has hit the small screen this Ramadan. Titled The Family Kitchen, this locally produced show features a cooking fiesta that involves eight families from different backgrounds. Television actor, winner of Gladrags Mrs. India 2006 and winner of the Best All Rounder trophy at Mrs. India Globe 2007, Shillpa Kataria Singh, is the host of the show being brought by IndiaCast & Colors.

The Family Kitchen showcases families who share memories from their past, their culture, traditions, food and what Ramadan means to them. Home cooks will be whipping up delicacies and sharing recipes that have been passed on to them through generations. Each episode will also feature a celebrity chef who will prepare a special Ramadan dish. We speak to Shillpa Kataria Singh, who has worked in TV serials like Aashiqui, Abhi To Main Jawan Hoon and Urmila, to know more about the show:

Tell us a bit about The Family Kitchen?
The show is all about the bond of love and bonding over food. It's not only a unique concept, but also a fun experience with some learning along the way. It was great meeting all the wonderful families and also learning some new recipes from the professional chefs on the show. All in all, it was a totally enriching experience.

What attracted you to the show?
I have worked extensively in Mumbai with Keval Shah, the director of The Family Kitchen. In fact, I have also worked with his wife, Swati, who is a food stylist. She is the one who suggested my name for the show. I was floored when I heard the concept and it completely resonated with me. Working with a producer like Zainab was also an amazing experience.

Are you into cooking?
Yes, I am. Though I don't cook on a daily basis, I do whip up some exotic dishes and healthy meals (well disguised) for my children. I make some wonderful salads and soups for my husband, and some spicy street food for my mum-in-law once in a while.

What are some of the best dishes you can whip up?
There's one called the Buddha's Basket. It is a medley of broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms and baby carrots in a tangy gravy with some garlic thrown in. My daughter drools over my special dish - mushroom-spinach grilled toast with orange cheddar cheese and a ranch dressing with sweet potato chips.

What are your favourite dishes from the show?
I like all the dishes in the show. However, my favourite one is the Orange Chicken because its unique and has some secret ingredients. An other favourite is the Sheer Korma Cake, for its rich taste. I also like the Royal Falooda, simple yet super delicious and refreshing. More than the food, it was nice to meet so many wonderful people and interact with them.

What does Ramadan mean to you?
Ramadan exemplifies a beautiful observance to me - of cleansing the body, strengthening the mind, connecting with one's spiritual self. It is also a time for fasting - a time of increased devotion and worship; a time for family bonding and love.

What was is it like winning the Gladrags Mrs India 2006?
It was like a dream come true, literally. I had a premonition in June 2005 about it and followed my intuition by participating in the pageant and winning it. I always do my best in anything and everything that I do and I believe that success will inevitably follow.

You've done quite a bit of work on TV. Do you think digital shows (online streaming) is the way forward?
Most definitely! Evolution is the name of the game. Streaming is massive and this has also helped to spawn many more developments and opened many more options for viewers. However, I have to mention that content is king, irrespective of the medium. Good content will always draw plenty of eyeballs.

Any plans to work in any digital series?
I am open to any good opportunities that will come my way. I am passionate about my work and aspire to strike a work-life balance. If I can straddle both worlds with equal ease, then I can say that my life is truly fulfilling.

The Family Kitchen show airs on Colors TV on Saturdays and Sundays at 7:30pm in the UAE.

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