Nita Ambani Visits Chef Vikas Khanna’s New York Restaurant, Sparks Emotional Reflection on His Culinary Journey

Nita Ambani, Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, recently visited acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna’s restaurant, Bungalow, in New York City. The visit stirred deep emotions for Khanna, who shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, reflecting on a defining moment from his early career.

A Flashback to 1992

Khanna recalled a pivotal memory from 1992 while training at the Mughal Sheraton in Agra. During a lunch service, as he placed hot rotis on a table, he overheard a mother rebuking her child, saying, “If you don’t study hard, you’ll end up like him,” referring to Khanna. Embarrassed yet composed, he smiled and walked away as the entire table turned to look at him.

Later, upon returning to his hometown Amritsar, he shared the incident with his grandmother. Her words—“Follow your heart, choose happiness over money, and purpose over profit”—became the guiding principle of his decades-long career in the culinary world.

A Meaningful Exchange with Nita Ambani

During her visit, Ambani discussed her vision for the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC). She remarked, “This place represents us—our traditions—and honours our ancestors. It’s our duty to uphold our legacy.” This sentiment struck a chord with Khanna, connecting his past struggles with the cultural pride the restaurant now embodies.

In his post, Khanna thanked Ambani for her encouragement and for helping represent India globally “with beauty, pride, and grace.”

NMACC India Weekend in New York

The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre is organizing a special three-day event from September 12 to 14 at Lincoln Center in New York. The NMACC India Weekend will celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage through performances in music, art, and dance. It aims to provide a prestigious international platform for Indian artists to showcase their talents to a global audience.