Chocolates can bring a smile on anyone’s face, irrespective of age, says Koel Mallick

It was a fun day out for Koel Mallick and 10 kids, aged between three to 10 from an NGO, as they made the most of World Chocolate Day at a dreamy baking studio in Ballygunge. It was a busy day as the actress whisked silky smooth ganache and frosted cupcakes with the children, but CT managed to have a little chat with Koel to know more about her indulgences, and how she bonds with her son Kabir over chocolates.

Coincidentally Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is one of my favourite films, and today I played Willy Wonka for the kids. I don’t think there was any other better way to celebrate Chocolate Day this year. The happiness in the kids’ eyes when they saw the chocolates was incredible. It made for an experience of a lifetime. Their innocence and vibrance transcended me to a different world. The best part was decorating and icing the cake all together.

I haven’t really celebrated Chocolate Day in the past, but I do indulge in some chocolate cake from time to time, with my son Kabir. This was the first time that I spent Chocolate Day in such a virtuous way, and the best part was dancing with them to Paglu and 100% Love. I have come to realise that a bar of anything chocolatey can bring a smile on anyone’s face, irrespective of age.


I indulged in chocolates a lot today, as I wanted to celebrate Chocolate Day to the fullest with the kids. I am very much into chocolates, but I also believe in moderation as fitness is something I prioritise. One of my favourite chocolates is one with hazelnut, and I make sure my birthday cake every year has hazelnut in it. I also like Swiss chocolates, milk chocolate and dark chocolates. For a fact, I like brownies more than cakes.


Oh yes! I always buy chocolates when travelling, but now with Kabir around, it has become a ritual. I still remember the time we went to Amsterdam and spent a good number of hours at a chocolate factory, tasting and buying different kinds of chocolates. The fragrance that lingers inside a chocolate factory is heavenly. Till date, whenever we go abroad on vacations, we make it a point to visit chocolate shops. Just a few months back my husband (Nispal Singh) went to London for some work, and he got us a bagful of various kinds of chocolate lollipops and Kabir was thrilled. Chocolate is an emotion. It has so many benefits too! Just a few days back while shooting outdoors for , I was very low on energy due to unbearable heat, and a bar of dark chocolate immediately increased my energy levels.

Both of us are chocolate lovers, but I am mindful of what he eats just like any other mother. However, Kabir makes sure his birthday cake is a chocolate one every year. To add to it, we have a dedicated Sunday every month, when we indulge in something chocolatey together.
Pix: Anindya Saha