Vikas Khanna - Biography, Show, Career, Age, Family

Profile Summary

Table of Content

• Biography   

• Education 

• Family

• Career

• Television 

• Film Production

• Social Work

• Awards

• Achievements 

• Interesting Facts

Biography 

Vikas Khanna, born on November 14, 1971, is an Indian chef, restaurateur, cookbook writer, filmmaker, and humanitarian. Born in Amritsar, India, Khanna had misaligned legs, which made it difficult for him to walk until the age of 13. Despite his physical challenges, Khanna developed a passion for cooking and pursued a career in the culinary world.Khanna began his career working for several renowned luxury hotel groups in India. He later moved to the United States, where he opened his Michelin-starred restaurant, Junoon, in New York City.

 In addition to his success as a restaurateur, Khanna has authored numerous cookbooks and has appeared as a judge on the popular Indian cooking reality show, MasterChef India. In addition to his culinary achievements, Khanna has ventured into filmmaking, directing the critically acclaimed film The Last Color (2019). His work in the film industry has further solidified his status as a multi-talented and influential figure in the world of food and entertainment.

Vikas Khanna's journey from a young boy with physical challenges to a world-renowned chef, author, and filmmaker is a testament to his determination, passion, and resilience. His success in the culinary world and his commitment to philanthropy make him a truly inspiring figure.

Education

Vikas Khanna, a renowned Indian chef, restaurateur, and TV personality, completed his education at the Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA), a constituent of Manipal Academy of Higher Education. He graduated from WGSHA in 1991. During his time at the institution, Khanna trained under renowned chefs from various luxury hotel groups, including the Taj Hotels, the Oberoi Group, the WelcomGroup, and the Leela Group of Hotels.

Vikas Khanna also received an honorary doctorate at GD Goenka University as a recognition for his outstanding work in culinary art philanthropy, altruism and humanitarianism and his global reach as a chef. He has also studied at Culinary Institute of America and New York University.

His education provided him with a strong foundation in culinary arts, enabling him to excel in his career and become a globally recognized chef. Khanna's dedication and passion for cooking, combined with his education and training, have played a significant role in his success in the culinary world.

Family 

Vikas Khanna was born in Amritsar, Punjab, India, in 1971 to Davinder Khanna and Bindu Khanna. He was born with a rare deformity called clubfoot, which caused misaligned feet and required him to wear wooden shoes while growing up.

Despite his physical challenges, Khanna developed a passion for cooking, which he attributes to his grandmother, who loved to cook and whose kitchen became a part of his foundational training.

Vikas Khanna has a sister named Radhika Khanna. She is a fashion designer based in New York and runs a boutique called Rouge by Radhika Khanna., His family played a significant role in shaping his career and supporting his journey as a renowned chef, author, and filmmaker.

Career

Vikas Khanna embarked on a culinary journey that took him to some of the finest restaurants and hotels in India. He worked at renowned establishments like the Taj, Oberoi, and Leela Group of Hotels, where he gained invaluable experience and showcased his culinary prowess.

Khanna's talent and passion for cooking soon caught the attention of the culinary world. He started receiving invitations to participate in international cooking competitions and collaborate with esteemed chefs from around the globe. His innovative approach to Indian cuisine, blending traditional flavours with contemporary techniques, set him apart and garnered him widespread acclaim.

Television became another platform for Vikas Khanna to showcase his culinary skills and engaging personality. He appeared as a contestant on MasterChef India and MasterChef Australia, where his talent and creativity impressed both the judges and viewers. Khanna's appearances on these popular shows introduced him to a broader audience and solidified his reputation as a culinary icon.

Not content with just conquering the culinary world, Vikas Khanna also turned his attention to the realm of writing. He authored several successful cookbooks that showcased his expertise in Indian cuisine. His books, such as Flavors First: An Indian Chef's Culinary Journey and My Great India Cookbook, became bestsellers and further established him as a leading authority on Indian cooking.

He has received numerous accolades, including Michelin stars, and has been honoured with prestigious awards such as the Access to Freedom Award and the Humanitarian of the Year Award. His journey from a small town in India to international culinary stardom is an inspiration to aspiring chefs and a testament to the power of passion and hard work.

Television 

Khanna presented six seasons of MasterChef India (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7), a series based on the original British version, beginning in 2011. Since since, he has hosted every season of the show. Khanna was a guest judge on MasterChef Australia during Season 6.Twist of Taste, a Fox Life show, he hosted for four seasons.

On Gordon Ramsay's TV show Kitchen Nightmares, Khanna appeared as a consultant chef to rescue a failing Indian restaurant named Purnima. On Hell's Kitchen's two-part season finale, Khanna featured as a judge and an Indian-cuisine expert. He has served as a judge on Throwdown! with Bobby Flay and as a guest chef on The Martha Stewart Show.

Film Production

Khanna has created the documentary series Holy Kitchens, which examines the relationship between faith and food. The series has been screened at Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, and Oxford universities, as well as film festivals.

His documentary Kitchens of Gratitude was screened at the 69th Cannes Film Festival's Marche du Film.

His directorial debut, The Last Colour, is a film about the daily challenges for survival on the streets of Banaras, India's historic capital. The film's teaser, which stars legendary Indian actress Neena Gupta, was shown at the 71st Cannes Film Festival.

The film was named to the final list of Oscar 2020 Best Film Eligibility.

Social Work

• Khanna established the South Asian Kid's Infinite Vision (SAKIV) organization to address global concerns that require immediate action, such as tsunami relief, hurricane relief along the Gulf Coast, and Haiti. The foundation has sponsored numerous events around the world, from the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt to the Taj Mahal in India, in conjunction with humanitarian organisations such as Save the Children.

• In 2018, Vikas Khanna established India's first Culinary Museum at his alma school, Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Manipal.

• Khanna created Cooking for Life in 2001 in New York with the world's greatest chefs to support many social issues.

• Vision of Palate is his award-winning course that teaches persons with visual difficulties about the senses of taste, flavour, and aroma.

• Khanna cooked for President Obama's fundraiser at the Rubin Museum of Art in New York City on May 14, 2012.

• Khanna is a Smile Foundation goodwill ambassador who supports the cause of malnutrition in India. He has vowed to raise $1 million USD for the same purpose.

• During the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic in April 2020, he launched the Feed India project, which is supported by Pepsi, India Gate, Quaker Oats, Hyatt Regency, and worldwide Funds for Widows and provides food and supplies to individuals in need in India.

Achievements 

• Deutsche Welle News and Gazette Review named him one of the world's top ten chefs.

• G D Goenka University conferred the Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris causa) degree.

• D Y Patil University awarded him an honorary doctorate in literature.

• In 2014, he received a James Beard Foundation Award nomination for his book Return to the Rivers.

• Star Chefs named him a Rising Star Chef in 2011 for his influence in defining the future of American cuisine.

• GQ India Man of the Year 2012, according to GQ Magazine.

• SATH awarded him the Access to Freedom Award in 2005.

• Proclamation from the New York City Council for his extraordinary service to the city, and was named New Yorker of the Week by NY1.

• In 2012, he appeared on the cover of Men's Health India Magazine.

Interesting Facts

• In 2020, Khanna directed and released a documentary film titled "The Last Color," exploring the lives of widows in Vrindavan, India, and shedding light on social issues prevalent in Indian society.

• At the age of 17, Vikas established a small Banquet hall named Lawrence Gardens, where he served both as an organizer and a caterer for small kitty parties and family functions.

• Junoon his restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star by the Michelin Guide for 6 consecutive years since 2010. Michelin Guide is the oldest European hotel and restaurant reference guide, which awards Michelin stars for excellence to a select few establishments; the acquisition or loss of a star can have dramatic effects on the success of a restaurant.

• Khanna has collaborated with many renowned chefs and culinary experts from around the world, bridging cultures through food and showcasing the diversity of Indian cuisine.

• People Magazine named him the Sexiest Man Alive in November 2011.

• He was named New York's Hottest Chef by the New York Eater blog in a survey.

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