Vikas Khanna, the award-winning master chef of the New York-based Junoon restaurant launched his latest cookbook at the India Pavilion of the 68th annual Cannes Film Festival, May 17. “Utsav” represents Khanna’s 12-year cooking journey of more than 300 recipes compiled from Indian festivals and captured in a 1200-page, 33-pound book. The book was unveiled by Dr. Mohan Kumar, India’s Ambassador to France, Raja Rajamannar, MasterCard’s Global CMO; Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor and Khanna.
“This is the first time in the history of Cannes that a cookbook has been launched at this festival…and that, too, by an Indian chef. This is a matter of great Indian pride,” said Khanna, 43. In the book, the Amritsar born chef has explored the India that “we all love but have, somehow, forgotten over the years.” The purpose of the book, Khanna said, is to expose the magnificent heritage and culture of India, as he tells his country’s story through the lens of several important religious and cultural festivals. “’Utsav’ is my tribute to India, as a son of my motherland,” he said.
Khanna traveled extensively across India to write the book, capturing along the way sacred ingredients and recipes used in more than 100 lesser-known and renowned festivals including Chapchar Kut Festival in Mizoram, Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, The Goa Shigmotsav, Losar in Ladakh, Pongal or Onam in South India, as well as Diwali, Eid, Teej and Durga Puja.
Leading up to Diwali, Khanna will personally hand-deliver 12 copies of the book, packaged in gold-foiled boxes that represent India’s varied art and culture, to world leaders across the globe. The first-time, limited edition of the book will contain hand-written notes from these global luminaries and be auctioned off to benefit the Smile Foundation’s “Nutrition for Education” campaign, for which Khanna is a goodwill ambassador.
In addition to his philanthropic personality, Khanna is also known for his boyish good looks. He was named in “India’s Sexiest Men Alive” list in People Magazine and coined “Man of the Year” by GQ India. His documentary series, “Holy Kitchens,” takes an in-depth look at the food-sharing traditions of the major religions of the world. He also hosts the Indian version of “MasterChef.” Khanna’s other books include “Flavors First” and “Return to the Rivers,” which contains a foreword by the Dalai Lama.
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