King of good times

While in Mumbai,he frequents Singh’s Olive,China House at Grand Hyatt and Aurus in Juhu. The 36-year-old,however,chose Delhi for this pet project because that’s where he spent his early years. “I know a lot of people there and,besides,I found a lovely space in the city,which is growing in terms of hospitality.”

The restaurant,likely to open its doors in August,aims to create a benchmark in world cuisine while keeping the ambience casual and easy. “The ambience of an eatery plays a key role and is almost as important as the food one serves as it sets the pace of the evening and the meal for the guest,” he smiles his Buddha-like smile.

While most will insist that his divine smile is his USP,it’s the devilishly gorgeous actor’s intense character,Joe Mascarenhas,in Farhan Akhtar’s Rock On!! that won him a slew of awards this year. And Rampal hopes that with forthcoming films,like Prakash Jha’s Rajneeti,where he plays a character with political undertones,and Sajid Khan’s Housefull,which will see him in a “comic role like never before”,he will continue his run at the awards.

This model-turned-actor’s chiseled looks recently also brought him an international commercial for Schweppes opposite Hollywood diva Nicole Kidman,shot in Udaipur’s Lake Palace. The offer — his first international commercial — did come as a surprise and Rampal’s stroke of luck continues as the ad,uploaded on youtube.com,has already had 400 million hits. “It’s phenomenal and flattering,” he exclaims.

“I’m really content with the way my life is shaping up — it’s well-rounded and balanced. I hope I can stay focussed on my career and not disappoint anyone. Though my job is like a roller coaster ride,I think the ups and downs have been worth it.”