Name: Waris Ahluwalia
Age: 36
Neighborhood: West Village
Occupation: “Explorer.” (Also: jewelry designer, actor). On Saturday from 1 p.m to 4 p.m. he’ll be co-hosting the Creative Time Tropical Brunch Social at the Hurricane Club.
Who’s your favorite New Yorker, living or dead, real or fictional?
It’s a toss-up between William Kunstler and Al Capone.
What’s the best meal you’ve eaten in New York?
Dinner at my mother’s. Growing up, we never ate out. Now I go with friends to her house for dinner about once a week — sometimes every other week. I need my fill of Indian home cooking.
In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job?
Varies from season to season but mostly answer interview questions about jewelry, acting, and general Proust-type questionnaires like this one.
What was your first job in New York?
Tried to get a job at the Gap once, but they didn’t take me. What’s the deal with that, Patrick [Robinson]?
What’s the last thing you saw on Broadway?
I just saw a guy selling cashmere gloves on Broadway. I don’t think it was the best quality, but the price is hard to beat.
Do you give money to panhandlers?
If they’re talented — a song, a dance, maybe even a joke. I always like a good song: puts me in a good mood. Today I heard “Easy Like Sunday Morning” by Lionel Richie. So we’re clear, it wasn’t Lionel singing.
What’s your drink?
Water from the fountains in Rome.
How often do you prepare your own meals?
Well, breakfast is usually at home: omelets or a protein shake. Dinner is always different: lentil salads, grilled fish — halibut or wild salmon, usually — coconut curry with shrimp.
What’s your favorite medication?
Spanish Fly. Is that considered medication?
What’s hanging above your sofa?
Two large hand-carved animal heads, one’s a bear and the other is a lion. On the other one is a print of a bird by Andrew Zuckerman.
How much is too much to spend on a haircut?
I have no idea what you’re talking about.
When’s bedtime?
When my eyes can’t stay open anymore … (that’s anywhere from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m.).
Which do you prefer, the old Times Square or the new Times Square?
Old, duh. Street saviors, hookers, the smell of fear in the air — what’s not to like.
What do you think of Donald Trump?
I’m thinking you should be fired for asking me this question. What would Donald do?
What do you hate most about living in New York?
I got no hate in me.
Who is your mortal enemy?
Fear.
When’s the last time you drove a car?
A few days ago. I love driving in the city at night. As for out of the city, I don’t drive very far. I keep it tristate — usually upstate New York, New Jersey, or out east.
How has the Wall Street crash affected you?
I lost millions, but it’s okay. The jewelry business is doing better than you’d think.
Times, Post, or Daily News ?
The Gray Lady of course.
Where do you go to be alone?
In my head. Or Greece.
What makes someone a New Yorker?
You have to earn it. I don’t go by the seven-year rule.
