From letting go Padam Shri to refusing MasterChef India: 3 times Chef Sanjeev Kapoor proved his passion and respect for his profession
Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor is known for his simplicity, flavourful and relatable food, and impeccable screen presence. The veteran chef of India is highly regarded for his professionalism and recently, he proved that he earned this reputation through his passion and respect for the profession its
By Etimes.in
Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor is known for his simplicity, flavourful and relatable food, and impeccable screen presence.
The veteran chef of India is highly regarded for his professionalism and recently, he proved that he earned this reputation through his passion and respect for the profession itself.
Past instances prove that Chef Sanjeev always chose integrity over fame and purpose over popularity.
Scroll down to read the instances.Sharing his story in a series of Instagram videos called Kahaani Khazana, where he shares never-before-heard stories from his life, he mentioned that winning the prestigious Padma Shri in 2017 came with mixed feelings.
In the post, he mentioned that as per the dress code guidelines for the gala evening, he was not allowed to wear his chef coat, and was instead asked to wear something more Indian.
To that, he objected and was ready to let go of the award.
He said, "If you don't want to give me the Padma Shri Award, then don't give it." Later, he shared in the video, "I reached the President's building.
Without any argument, without any problem, I got the Padma Shri.
And in this uniform." According to Chef Sanjeev, everyone should treat the chef coat not just as a uniform but as a source of pride for their identity and the art they are known for.
In the concluding part of the video he mentioned, "I feel that the Padma Shri is not just for me, but for the whole chef community."According to an ANI podcast, Chef Sanjeev was working in a hotel in Mumbai when he got the offer for a cooking show for a newly launched TV channel.
He recalled, "I was informed that you have to do one episode on that TV show and I said, very good, tell me the name of the show.
He said, Shriam Bawarchi." He adds, "At that time I had reached the peak of my career.
I was an executive chef in a large hotel and I had joined Masters in Marketing Management.
As an executive chef I felt that the name of the show was not good and I refused the show.
Later, he suggested the name Khana Khazana, he shot for the show and rest as they say is history.During a podcast with Vir Sanghvi for Culinary Culture, Chef Sanjeev revealed how he repeatedly turned down MasterChef India when it was first offered to him.
The reason was simply that he wanted to be paid more than actor Akshay Kumar.
In the podcast, he recalled, "I told them (makers) that if you want me on the show, you have to pay me more than Akshay Kumar." The chef explained that the issue was never really about money; the extra rupee was symbolic, representing recognition of his expertise and contribution to the world of food.
When the producers refused to meet his condition, he simply declined the offer.
He revealed that he told them very clearly, "I am not coming.
I will not do it." Later, during the third season of the show, the makers approached him again and said if MasterChef could not become successful in India, it would be a huge setback.
This time, the makers accepted his condition.
And yes, he even confirmed that they paid him more than everyone else.