Vikas Khanna Celebrated as One of Time's Most Influential People

Vikas Khanna, known as 'Curry Boy', has been recognized in Time's 100 Most Influential People list, transforming a once-derogatory term into a badge of honor. In an exclusive interview, he reflects on his journey from Amritsar to culinary stardom, emphasizing the importance of Indian cuisine on the global stage. Khanna's restaurant, Bungalow, serves innovative dishes that celebrate Indian heritage. He expresses pride in the new generation of chefs and hopes to return to India for Diwali with his mother. This recognition is not just personal; it symbolizes the collective journey of many who have supported him along the way.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 17, 2026, 01:59 IST

A Proud Moment for Indian Cuisine

Vikas Khanna, affectionately known as 'Curry Boy', has earned a spot on the prestigious Time 100 list, marking a significant milestone for Indian representation on a global scale. The celebrity chef expressed his joy, noting that a term once used derogatorily has transformed into a symbol of pride.

In an exclusive conversation from New York, where he operates the acclaimed restaurant Bungalow, Khanna stated, "This is a monumental moment for India."

Joining him on the list are notable figures such as actor Ranbir Kapoor, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, YouTube head Neal Mohan, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, alongside other influential personalities like Pope Leo XIV and US President Donald Trump.

Although the list was unveiled recently, Khanna learned of his inclusion on March 23, coinciding with his late sister Radhika's birthday. He reflected, "I felt my sister is still advocating for me from above. To have what was once a derogatory label recognized in such a prestigious context is truly significant."

Historically, the term 'curry' has been used to belittle South Asian cuisine in Western contexts, but Khanna is determined to reclaim it. He remarked, "While some use 'curry' in a negative light, I embrace it with pride. It represents the meals our grandmothers prepared, fueling our minds and bodies. Today, many Indians are leading globally."

Khanna reminisced about his childhood, recalling how relatives faced ridicule for their culinary heritage. Now, he stands on a platform shared by only a select few worldwide.

Before establishing Bungalow, Khanna was at the helm of Junoon in New York. In his Time profile, chef Eric Ripert praised Khanna as a man of exceptional generosity, whose influence extends beyond the kitchen to communities worldwide.

Ripert highlighted Khanna's commitment to sharing Indian culture, stating, "He carries his heritage with immense pride, making it accessible to a global audience. Bungalow is not just a restaurant; it embodies storytelling through food, reflecting memories and heritage."

Khanna, an accomplished author and filmmaker, emphasized his dedication to advancing Indian cuisine. He recalled a conversation with a renowned chef who questioned why Indian food wasn't progressing. This prompted Khanna to focus on his restaurant, dedicating himself to the craft.

He stated, "Running a restaurant is not like managing a YouTube channel. It's a complex endeavor where every dish is subject to scrutiny. While the culinary landscape evolves, the essence of cooking remains unchanged; the guest ultimately determines a dish's integrity."

Bungalow's menu features innovative dishes such as Spice Roasted Pineapple, Yogurt Kebab, Kiss of Kashmir, Chicken Amritsari, and Rose Kulfi Feluda.

Khanna, who hails from Amritsar, expressed enthusiasm for the new generation of chefs emerging from India. He noted, "In our time, the focus was solely on kitchen work for income. Now, diverse opportunities are helping to evolve and promote Indian cuisine, marking a pivotal moment for our culinary heritage."

He hopes to return to India for Diwali with his mother, stating, "Receiving such honors makes me anxious, so having my mom by my side is essential. It took generations of support to elevate me to this stage, and this recognition will significantly impact Indian cuisine's future."

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Khanna described his inclusion in Time's Most Influential People of 2026 as a victory for Indian cuisine and culture, celebrating every story that began in a humble kitchen.

He reflected on his journey, saying, "Who would have thought that a boy from Amritsar, who once sold chole bhature, would find himself among the world's most influential voices? This journey belongs to every mother, teacher, and sister who believed in me."

Looking ahead, Khanna is set to release another film titled 'Imaginary Rain', featuring a New York chef and starring Shabana Azmi and Prateik Babbar, with music by A R Rahman. He remarked, "I want my creativity to be unconfined. This film explores Indian cooking in New York City, and my long-standing relationship with Shabana has been integral to this project."