Each week we shine the spotlight on a member of Dorset’s business community and ask him, or her, for answers to our part fun/part serious questionnaire. This time…

She enjoys making money from what she loves, her favourite view is from Evening Hill in Poole and she’d like to share a lift with comedian Trevor Noah, and if he’s wearing a certain brand of men’s aftershave, well…

Sarah Ali Choudhury, Entrepreneur, TV chef, Indian food expert and Dorset’s very own Curry Queen takes the 20 Questions’ hotseat (and if Sarah’s doing the cooking it will be hot…!)

Question: What’s your favourite TV show?

Answer: Russell Howard’s Good News.

Q: Who would you like to share a lift with?

A: Trevor Noah [South African comedian and host of The Daily Show, an American satirical news programme].

Q: The best bit of my job is…?

A: I make money doing what I love.

Q: And the worst…?

A: Being asked to do what I do best for PR/exposure but then not getting the PR or the payment.

Q: Who was your childhood hero?

A: My Dad. Actually, he still is!

Q: What’s your favourite smell?

A: Sauvage by Dior [men’s aftershave]. God help Trevor Noah if I’m stuck in a lift with him and he’s wearing that aftershave!

Q: Where’s your favourite place in Dorset?

A: I love the view from Evening Hill when driving through to Sandbanks.

Q:  What advice would you give to anyone starting out on a career?

A: Three pieces of advice actually. 1) Don’t listen to anyone who tries putting you off. 2) Believe in yourself and stay focused.  3) The moment you think you know what you want, ask yourself if you can do even better than that. Really push yourself outside of your comfort zone until the idea makes you nervous. Then go for it!

Q: What was your first record/CD?

A: It was a cassette – Dirty Dancing.

Q: What gets you angry?

A: Bad customer service.

Q: Do you have a favourite piece of music?

A: Perfect Symphony by Ed Sheeran (featuring Andrea Bocelli).

Q: What are the qualities you look for in a new employee?

A: Passion for whatever I’m employing them for.

Q: What’s your favourite food or dish?

A: My favourite curry is made with crab claws cooked in the shell with lots of garlic, onions and spices and chillies. It has a bit of a kick but a touch of pure coconut milk is added to take off the edge of the heat!

Q: Steamed sponge pudding and custard or plate of melon?

A: Oohh, custard wins every time…

Q: Name the best thing about living/working in Dorset?

A: We are blessed to be living and working in a beautiful place. People are friendly and there is a close knit community even where business is concerned.  I was born in Bournemouth and when I was growing up we moved to Bridport.  I have lived in London after marriage but we came back here after two years. I love travelling and visiting places but I’d never move out from Dorset.

Q: If you were Prime Minister for the day what would be the first thing you do?

A: I would get the current leaders to sign a contract to step down with immediate effect and ensure they are unable to take position again until a minimum of three years…if at all.

Q:  What’s your biggest frustration?

A: When people and companies have events to discuss Brexit when we all know they have absolutely no idea of what is going on or what will be the outcome. They are no wiser than anyone else.

Q:  Where’s your favourite holiday location?

A: Goa.

Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?

A: To be a household name,  a globally recognised and respected chef making a difference with a second home in Goa and a third home in Barbados. Also my own ashram for young orphans and helping to eradicate homelessness.

Q: What would you like to be remembered for?

A: Someone who enjoys helping other people to achieve success but who happens to cook well!