If films are her first love, food comes a close second. So, when the opportunity presented itself, Shefali Shah didn't bat an eyelid before venturing into the hospitality business. Tomorrow, the actor will throw open the doors of her multi-cuisine restaurant Jalsa in Ahmedabad. 'My belief is to celebrate life. With an abundance of family, friends, food, music and much more, Jalsa is exactly that. To me, it is not just a restaurant, it's an experience,' she says.

The actor, along with hospitality professional Neha Bassi, has spent the past few months taking her business plan from the blueprint to actualisation, while juggling the shoots of Darlings and Doctor G. Keen to lend the place a vibrant air, Shah chose hues of blue, red and white for the interiors, while hand-painting a wall with red floral motifs. She has worked closely with the chefs to curate a menu that boasts specialties of different regions of the country. Shah has also shared her own recipe of Nani wali dal and Gujarati dish Thado olo, thus giving a personal touch to the menu. 'It's a buffet restaurant that will serve a mix of Indian dishes from various states, as well as international [cuisines].'

Describing Jalsa as 'a carnival of food, fun and togetherness', the actor adds, '[It also has] Ferris wheels, astrologers, henna artists and games, [thus being a source] of joy for everyone.'