



Chef Sanjeev Kapoor is a renowned Indian culinary icon, entrepreneur, and television personality,Celebrity Chef
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, born on April 10, 1964, in Ambala, Haryana, India, is one of the most iconic culinary figures in the country. He was raised in a modest but culturally rich Punjabi family that cherished food and tradition. This environment played a vital role in nurturing his passion for cooking. From a young age, Sanjeev showed a keen interest in flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques—curiosities that would later evolve into his life’s calling en.wikipedia.org+6starsunfolded.com+6starsunfolded.com
After completing his early education, Kapoor chose to follow his passion and enrolled in the Institute of Hotel Management, Catering & Nutrition, Pusa, New Delhi—one of India’s most prestigious culinary institutes. Between 1981 and 1984, he pursued a Diploma in Hotel Management, where he developed a strong foundation in culinary arts, hospitality, and food science. His training at IHM Pusa was instrumental in shaping his professional outlook, instilling discipline, and refining his culinary skills. During his academic journey, he was recognized for his dedication, creativity, and technical precision in the kitchen.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Kapoor further enhanced his knowledge by pursuing a Master’s degree in Business Management from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai. This blend of culinary expertise and business acumen would prove crucial later in his career, helping him become not just a celebrated chef but also a successful entrepreneur and media personality.
Kapoor’s educational path reflects his drive to excel in all facets of the food and hospitality industry. His well-rounded academic background laid the groundwork for a career that would eventually redefine Indian cuisine on a global scale. Today, he stands as a symbol of how structured education combined with passion and perseverance can lead to legendary success in the culinary world.
Career Highlights
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s illustrious career spans over four decades, during which he has transformed Indian cooking into a global culinary phenomenon. His professional journey is marked by pioneering achievements across the hospitality industry, television, entrepreneurship, and international dining experiences.
Hotel Industry
Kapoor’s professional journey began in 1984 after graduating from IHM Pusa. He worked with several renowned hotels across India and even had a brief stint in New Zealand. His rapid rise through the ranks reflected his talent and commitment. At the young age of 27, Kapoor achieved a significant milestone by becoming the youngest Executive Chef at Mumbai’s prestigious Centaur Hotel, a rare accomplishment at the time. His innovative thinking, managerial skills, and passion for modernizing Indian cuisine earned him immense respect in the hospitality sector.
Television
Kapoor became a household name through his immensely popular television show Khana Khazana, which debuted in 1993. The show ran for nearly two decades, airing until 2012, and was broadcast in over 120 countries, making it Asia’s longest-running cooking show with more than 649 episodes. Through this platform, Kapoor demystified cooking for the Indian middle class and inspired millions to explore food with creativity and confidence. His warm persona, clear instructions, and deep understanding of Indian flavors turned him into one of India’s most loved culinary personalities.
Entrepreneurship
Capitalizing on his media success, Kapoor ventured into entrepreneurship. In 2011, he launched FoodFood, India’s first 24×7 food and lifestyle television channel. The channel became a platform for culinary innovation and lifestyle content, extending his reach to digital audiences. He also established Turmeric Vision Pvt. Ltd., a content creation company focused on food, and co-founded Wonderchef, a consumer brand offering premium kitchen appliances and cookware. Wonderchef became a household name, known for its stylish, user-friendly products and emphasis on healthy cooking.
Restaurants
Chef Kapoor has also built a strong presence in the restaurant industry, creating and managing multiple restaurant brands. His flagship brand, The Yellow Chilli, offers a curated menu of Indian dishes with regional flair and operates in several Indian cities and international locations. Other notable ventures include Khazana, Signature, and Stir Crazy, each tailored to specific culinary experiences and markets. His restaurants are known for balancing tradition with modernity, offering both authentic and innovative dishes that cater to diverse palates.
From hotel kitchens to global business ventures, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s career is a testament to versatility, innovation, and the power of culinary storytelling.
Publications & Media
An accomplished author, Kapoor has penned over 200 cookbooks in multiple languages, selling more than 10 million copies worldwide. Notable titles include The Yellow Chilli Cookbook, How to Cook Indian, and Aah! Chocolate, the latter winning the Gourmand Best Cookbook Photography award. cookingrush.net+4sanjeevkapoor.com+4starsunfolded.com+4
He maintains a strong digital presence through his website, which hosts over 15,000 recipes, and his YouTube channel, Sanjeev Kapoor Khazana, boasting millions of subscribers. sanjeevkapoor.com
Awards & Recognition
- Padma Shri (2017): One of India’s highest civilian honors, awarded for his contributions to the culinary arts.en.wikipedia.org+2sanjeevkapoor.com+2foodandwine.com+2
- National Award for Best Chef of India: Conferred by the Government of India.sanjeevkapoor.com
- Guinness World Record: Cooked 918 kg of khichdi live at World Food India 2017.starsunfolded.com+2sanjeevkapoor.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2
- Forbes India Celebrity 100: Ranked 34th in 2017.starsunfolded.com
- Reader’s Digest: Listed among ‘100 of India’s Most Trusted Persons’.simplylifeindia.com+4starsunfolded.com+4en.wikipedia.org+4
Personal Life
Kapoor is married to Alyona Kapoor, an entrepreneur who collaborates with him in his business ventures. The couple has two daughters, Rachita and Kriti. en.wikipedia.org+1starsunfolded.com+1famousbirthdays.com+1starsunfolded.com+1