Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor once made a powerful statement about professional pride when he chose to receive the Padma Shri in his chef’s uniform rather than traditional ceremonial attire. The respected culinary icon shared the story during a recent episode of his storytelling series Kahani Khazana, explaining that the moment symbolized not only a personal milestone but also recognition for the entire chef community.
Kapoor recalled that when he was invited to receive the Padma Shri in April 2017, he was informed that protocol required award recipients to wear Indian national dress during the ceremony. However, he believed strongly that his chef’s uniform represented his lifelong profession and identity. Having spent years working in hotel kitchens while wearing the same attire every day, he said the uniform carried deep meaning and dignity for him.
Reflecting on his journey, Kapoor also spoke about how television gradually changed the public image of chefs. In his early years on TV, producers encouraged him to appear without the traditional chef’s cap and later suggested more casual clothing to make his presence feel approachable. Despite those changes, he said he always felt the chef’s uniform deserved recognition as a symbol of the profession’s evolution and respect.
When officials initially declined his request to wear the uniform at the Padma Shri ceremony, Kapoor made his position clear. He stated that he would accept the honour only if he could receive it in the attire that represented his career. He reportedly told organizers that if the award could not be presented to him in his chef’s uniform, he would rather not accept it at all.
In the end, Kapoor attended the ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan wearing his chef’s uniform and received the prestigious honour without further issues. He later said the recognition was not only for him personally but for chefs across India who have helped elevate the country’s culinary reputation. Kapoor has also previously received the National Award for Best Chef of India in recognition of his lasting contribution to Indian cuisine.
