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Chef Vikas Khanna clears the air about BBC interview going viral again; ‘My sense of hunger came from New York’
Chef Vikas Khanna shared an Instagram post to address his ‘My sense of hunger came from New York’ video, which is going viral again.
During the pandemic, Michelin-star chef Vikas Khanna won hearts by conducting massive food distribution drives. Soon after, he appeared in an interview on BBC to talk about it. However, during his conversation with the anchor, he was asked if his sense of hunger comes from India. The celebrity chef, calmly but firmly, replied, “My sense of hunger came from New York”, adding his reasoning behind the remark. This incident occurred in 2020, and after four years, the video is going viral again. Many are sharing it, praising the chef. He has also taken to Instagram to speak up about the incident.
“As this is trending worldwide, I must address this issue,” Vikas Khanna wrote. In the following lines, he added that India is “multidimensional and multicultural.” He continued, “Our cuisine is valued as our greatest soft power, our family structure, spiritual power & wisdom, literature, science, research, technology, music, culture has defined its space in the World.”
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He expressed that Indian chefs are ruling the global stage,“but somehow this is the only question significant to some.” He concluded his post by sharing the interview video.
Take a look at the entire conversation here:
His response has gone viral on social media, accumulating reactions from many, including singer Shreya Ghoshal and comedian Zarna Garg.
What did they say?
“What a dignified and befitting reply! It’s a shame that an anchor of such a reputed channel could be so delusional and disrespectful,” the singer wrote. “Brilliant Vikas and so true and what a dumb question responded to with the warmth and love and brilliance that is 100% authentic to Vikas!” the comedian replied.
What did others say about this video?
“Thank you for addressing this unapologetically and speaking it out. Very proud and love love love,” posted an Instagram user. Another person added, “What a reply!”
A third expressed, “Love your response… kudos to you Vikas Khanna to acknowledge that you grew up in a city where there was a community kitchen (we all know what that sacred place is) let alone some of the best known North Indian delicacies. Lots more to say about the tone of this interviewer, but happy you say it like it should be said.” A fourth wrote, “Describing a very lived experience. Thanks for being so honest and representing India and your experience in such honesty.”
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Born in Amritsar in 1971, Vikas Khanna is not just a Michelin-starred chef but also an author, a filmmaker and a judge on MasterChef India. He learned cooking from his grandmother and mother at an early age, eventually joining his mother’s banquet hall business. However, when the place was crushed by local authorities, he moved to New York. Starting his journey in the foreign land with odd jobs, he slowly and patiently made his way to the top of the culinary world.
What are your thoughts about Vikas Khanna’s reaction to the old BBC interview going viral again?
