Vikas Khanna's Imaginary Rain: A Culinary Journey with Shabana Azmi
A New Chapter for Vikas Khanna
For Vikas Khanna, the renowned chef who has transitioned into filmmaking, directing the esteemed Shabana Azmi in his forthcoming film, Imaginary Rain, represents a significant personal achievement. He refers to this experience as the "greatest highlight" of his career. The film, inspired by his 2023 novel of the same title, features Azmi as a MasterChef in Manhattan who reconnects with her Indian heritage following a personal loss. The cast also includes Prateik Patil, and the narrative delves into themes of sorrow, family ties, and the rediscovery of passion through the lens of Indian cuisine.
"My upcoming film, Imaginary Rain, is set to release in a few months. It stars Shabana Azmi, with music by A R Rahman, and Prateik Patil. The story revolves around a chef based in New York, and I believe it is my finest work to date," Khanna shared.
"Directing Shabana Azmi has been an incredible honor for me. I take immense pride in having convinced her to take on this role, which I consider one of the greatest achievements of my life," he added. Khanna previously made his directorial debut with The Last Color in 2019, featuring Neena Gupta.
Khanna is currently focused on the release of Imaginary Rain, despite his busy schedule managing Bungalow, his restaurant in New York. "I’m constantly occupied at the restaurant, but my primary goal now is to ensure this film finds its audience. I assure you, this is unlike any food movie you’ve ever seen before; it’s my best work," he stated. Reflecting on a recent experience hosting actors Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh at his restaurant, Khanna expressed his joy at having the celebrity couple visit. A video surfaced online showing Padukone crafting modak under Khanna's supervision. "We had to coordinate dates for their visit, as it was challenging to secure a table at the restaurant. It was a privilege to host them, especially during New Year’s when we offered sweets, and Deepika helped make anar ke modak that day," he recounted.
"This initiative allows me to explore and promote Indian cuisine. When actors like Deepika make modak, it inspires everyone, including children, to try their hand at it. It revitalizes our traditions, and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to celebrate Indian culture in this way," he remarked.
Khanna is also excited to return as a judge on MasterChef India 2026, set to premiere on January 5 on Sony Entertainment Television and SonyLIV. Alongside Chef Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapoor, this season introduces a unique 'jodi' format, where contestants, paired as family members, friends, or even across generations, will compete to become culinary stars under the judges' mentorship. Twelve pairs from diverse regions of India will participate.
The Michelin-starred chef noted that the show has played a pivotal role in transforming India's culinary landscape and recognizing chefs. Reflecting on his journey, Khanna recalled a time when many referred to him as "chief" instead of "chef," highlighting the profession's lack of recognition in smaller towns.
"The evolution has been remarkable since then. It has allowed us to stand alongside global chefs and has sparked a broader understanding of cooking," he explained. As the show enters its ninth season, it aims to celebrate the rich tapestry of flavors that define Indian cuisine.
Khanna praised MasterChef India for highlighting the diversity of Indian culinary traditions. "Having moved to the US at a young age, I felt a lack of pride in cooking Indian food. This platform has reignited that pride, especially in the post-pandemic era when people have become more conscious of their culinary choices. Social media has also played a significant role in this resurgence," he concluded.