Actor Shweta Tripathi’s relationship with vada pav goes a long way. “Some things just click,” she tells us, pointing to her Instagram username @battatawada. On Wada Pav Day today, the 40-year-old can’t help but gush over its versatility and how she takes cues from this dish for her career philosophy. She shares, “No matter what cuisine, potatoes find a place on your plate. And you never get bored because there’s so much variety! That’s how I want to be as an actor.”

Whether at fashion shows or public events, Shweta is often affectionately referred to Battawada by her fans. “And I love it! Usmein ek apnaapan lagta hai. I’m proud of my younger self for choosing this name. In fact, one of my happiest moments on social media was when a leading wada pav chain followed me. I would love to be the face of wada pav,” she confesses, adding, “What’s funny is I hadn’t even tasted wada pav when I picked the username. It just felt approachable. Now, it’s my identity.”

This street food delight is also her comfort food, complete with green chilli and masala chai. “It puts a spark in my day and a spring in my step! Even the mere mention of it puts a smile on my face,” the actor gushes.

Shweta also recalls how it was her go-to before her acting days, “I used to work at a post-production studio. Whenever it rained, I’d go out for wada pav. Now, I’ve nearly stopped eating street food, but I just cannot leave wada pav.”

Her fondest family memories, too, are steeped in its steaming flavours. “My mother-in-law cooks it for me and the whole family gets together for this grand event. One evening during the lockdown, we just sat on the terrace, taking in the ocean over wada pav and tea. I still have a picture of it. Wada pav is for everyone,” she ends.