Michelin chef Vikas Khanna responds to viral video of his ‘savage’ reply to BBC interviewer: ‘India is so multidimensional and multicultural’

"Our Chefs are ruling the global stages and our role in the world of science and technology is symbolic to who we are and our educational systems. But, somehow this is the only question significant to some..." said chef Vikas Khanna.

Chef Vikas Khanna reflects on stereotypes associated with India (Source: Vikas Khanna/Instagram)

Chef Vikas Khanna has reacted to a resurfaced viral video showing his firm response to a BBC interviewer who implied his sense of hunger stemmed from his humble background in India. In an Instagram post, Khanna addressed the trending video, saying, “As this is trending worldwide, I must address this issue. Every nation has its greatness and faults. India is so, so multidimensional and multicultural; one of the fastest-growing economies. Our cuisine is valued as our greatest soft power, our family structure, spiritual power and wisdom, literature, science, research, technology, music, culture has defined its space in the world.”

“Our Chefs are ruling the global stages and our role in the World of science & technology is symbolic to who we are & our educational systems. But somehow this is the only question significant to some…,” the post read.

He also shared the video in question dating back to 2020, when Khanna organised large-scale food distribution drives during the pandemic, winning appreciation from many. “You understand how precarious it can be in India,” the interviewer asked.

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It shows Khanna calmly explaining that his hunger didn’t originate from his upbringing in India, where community kitchens provided for everyone, but rather from his struggles in New York as a young immigrant aspiring to open a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Khanna said, “I understand, but my sense of hunger didn’t come from India so much because I was born and raised in Amritsar and we have a huge community kitchen where everyone gets fed. The entire city can eat there. My sense of hunger came from New York when I was struggling here from the very bottom. It’s not easy rising as a brown kid who came to America with a dream of opening a Michelin star. I think my aspirations were too high or crazy. My sense of hunger came from New York when I used to be at Grand Central or sleeping around. This was post 9/11 and it wasn’t easy for us to get jobs.”

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A post shared by Vikas Khanna (@vikaskhannagroup)

Khanna‘s response is being praised again by many social media users, including celebrities. Rapper Badshah commented, “And that is why we love you so much paaji”. Singer Shreya Ghoshal responded saying, “What a dignified and befitting reply! @vikaskhannagroup ?? it’s a shame that an anchor of such a reputed channel could be so delusional and disrespectful.”

Also Read | ‘Not exciting enough to be just serving food at this stage and age’: Chef Vikas Khanna

One Instagram user commented, “Debunking delulu with class and honesty,” and another said, “You always respond with such grace!”

What do you think of Khanna’s response to the interviewer?

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