Heath Ledger's final act of kindness to Perth chef revealed
The Indian spice master recalled one busy Saturday night at his family's former Fremantle restaurant Maya, which he believes was likely Ledger's final dining experience in Australia before his death in New York in January 2008.
'He rang me. There was a phone call one Saturday, we were really busy, we had no table, and someone just said I was there. And they said, 'Hey, this guy wants to book a table, and he's saying he's Heath Ledger,'' Chef Gurps recalled.
Aware the Dark Knight star was in town due to media buzz, and with Ledger's father Kim having dined at Maya previously, the chef made an effort to squeeze him in.
Even if it was just a prankster 'taking the mickey', the chef said he felt it was worth giving the actor a couple of hours to show.
'We booked him a table, and yes, it was him. He came with his family, and he came to eat, and he was the loveliest, most polite guy,' he said. Chef Gurps Bagga of Sauma. Credit: Riley Churchman / The West Australian
So vivid is the encounter, Chef Gurps can even recite the Oscar winner's order almost two decades later.
'He ordered a lamb rogan Josh, and he ordered a palak paneer. And his dad goes, 'I thought you were having lamb?' And he goes, 'Can't I order two?' the chef recalled.
Enjoying their sumptuous meal, the chef told his staff not to approach the star or 'hassle him for anything' as there had been reports of his fragile mental state.
However, to the contrary, Chef Gurps said the actor appeared in good spirits surrounded by loved ones. And he appreciated the restaurant's hospitability.
'Before he left, he turned back and he said thank you to all of us, shook all of our hands and he left, which was very nice of him,' the chef added.
'I rang up The Sunday Times. I said, 'He was eating at Maya. He was not sad. He was very happy with his family. He was laughing. We were joking around... And suddenly I started getting calls from all over the world.'
Maya closed in 2016 after 26 years in the Bagga family. Pictured is a Goat Curry made by Chef Gurps Bagga. Credit: Riley Churchman / The West Australian
Now at the helm of Sauma, Chef Gurps said Ledger's loved ones have followed him across and will occasionally reminisce about the wholesome dinning experience they shared all those years ago.
With family remaining a strong value in his kitchen, the chef continues to serve dishes he would prepare as a child with his father in India, whom he sadly lost several months ago.
Describing him as 'my mentor, my guru', Chef Gurps holds a special place in his heart for the family's goat curry recipe which he revealed is largely his father's creation.
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