Vikas Khanna, Michelin star chef and most renowned chefs of all time has his own story of overcoming struggles and fighting issues like racism and prejudice.
Vikas Khanna was born with a club foot issue. He had to wear wooden shoes to align his legs and feet. Everyone mocked him and made fun of him. Even the doctors said that he would never be able to play and have fun with other kids. However, his mother, a tough and strong punjabi woman was his pillar of strength and encouraged him through and through. She said “He was born to fly, not walk.”
His mother gave him all the strength he needed and his grandmother gave him acceptance through his love for cooking.
Vikas never felt accepted anywhere, his therapy was cooking. He felt at solace when he cooked or saw his grandmother cook delicious recipes. Kitchen became his favorite place to be. Soon, he worked at a temple where he learnt basic cooking skills. His grandmother encouraged him to pursue cooking as a career.
Soon he went to New York, giving his grandmother a promise that he would return as a Michelin star chef. Initially, he worked several odd jobs, cleaning people’s homes, looking after pets, etc. After 31 odd jobs, he finally got a job at a restaurant. However, he had to fight racism and prejudice in this industry.
He says, “In the Western world, I never felt truly accepted, but I knew I wanted to stand out, not fit in. I remember people questioning my cooking, language, and communication skills, as they ignored my ideas and mocked my name. I endured prejudice and microaggressions daily. However, I knew what I was here to do. I maintained my determination.”
He then had an opportunity to work with the famous Gordon Ramsay, where gradually his work also improved along with his english. His vision was to give Indian food a new identity in America.
Gradually, he became one of the most renowned Michelin star chefs with many opportunities and feathers in his caps. He opened his own chain of restaurants, created wonderful documentaries like “The holy kitchen” all the while staying close to his Indian roots.
He wishes to empower female chefs in a male-dominated industry through his work, documentaries and movies.
His story teaches us determination, perseverance, and acceptance. He knew he was different from others and was born to stand out, rather than fit in. Today, his contribution in this industry stands out.
