Vikas Khanna Opens Up About Childhood Bullying and Mother's Sacrifices
Michelin-starred chef and MasterChef India judge Vikas Khanna recently shared poignant details of his early life struggles in a throwback podcast interview with The Grain Talk Show. The renowned chef, now 53, recounted experiences ranging from brutal school bullying to witnessing his mother perform arduous tasks like cleaning gutters, painting a vivid picture of resilience and determination.
School Bullying and Conviction to Pursue Passion
Khanna revealed that he faced severe bullying during his school days. "I used to get brutally bullied in school," he recalled. "The kids would say, 'yeh ghar jaake rotiyan banayega' (he will go home and make rotis)." Despite the taunts, Khanna maintained strong conviction to continue pursuing his culinary passion, never imagining he would achieve his current level of success.
Mother's Influence and Dignity of Labor
The chef spoke emotionally about his mother's influence on his work ethic. "My mother would clean gutter, she taught me the dignity of labour," Khanna shared. He described how watching his mother work tirelessly, including late-night gutter cleaning with sticks, left an indelible mark. "She showed me that if you want to shine like the sun, you must be ready to burn like it," he added, noting that everything he does today stems from her lessons about hard work and business management.
Business Demolition and Personal Guilt
Khanna also discussed the demolition of his business in 2000 during peak wedding season. "I felt completely numb," he remembered. "There were no mobile phones back then, nothing at all. Papa came very late that day, and everything around us had been destroyed." He initially blamed himself for the failure, asking his father if it was his fault after refusing to serve food improperly to guests. Though his father reassured him, Khanna carried the burden of guilt, believing his life was over and he wouldn't achieve anything further.
Academic Struggles and Family Support
The chef acknowledged his academic challenges, noting that he and his sister were at the bottom academically while his elder brother excelled. However, he emphasized that making choices based on passion should be respected. His grandmother provided crucial support, saying, "As long as he's happy, that's what matters. Why are we forcing him to become an engineer?" She recognized his lack of interest in engineering and encouraged his culinary path.
Early Business Ventures and Kitty Parties
Khanna's culinary journey began humbly with Lawrence Garden in Amritsar during the 1990s. "Kitty parties were the main source of business," he explained. Small gatherings and retirement parties provided initial opportunities, with Khanna feeling overjoyed when his mother announced a kitty party booking. These experiences became an unexpected training ground for his future career.
Language Challenges and Professional Growth
Reflecting on his professional development, Khanna mentioned overcoming language barriers. When Gordon Ramsay invited him to a show, he felt nervous about speaking English throughout the episode. Later, upon returning to India, he was asked to improve his Hindi due to a heavy Punjabi influence. "I learnt it as I wanted to show that even Chefs are on a higher pedestal in the Industry as others," he stated, demonstrating his commitment to elevating the culinary profession.
Through these revelations, Vikas Khanna exemplifies how early adversities can forge remarkable resilience, transforming personal struggles into a foundation for international culinary acclaim and inspiring countless aspiring chefs across India.
