Celebrity Chef Vikas Khanna slams BBC Racism: Goes Viral Again
Celebrity Chef Vikas Khanna’s sharp response to a BBC anchor during a 2021 interview has resurfaced and gone viral once again, igniting discussions about racism and stereotypes in media portrayals of India.
In the original interview, Khanna was asked about his background, with the anchor implying that his understanding of hunger was rooted in his experiences in India, given that he was not from a wealthy family. The anchor stated, “In India, you were not from a rich family. So your sense of hunger must have come from there.” Khanna’s response was both calm and assertive: “No, I’m from Amritsar, everyone gets fed there in the langars. My sense of hunger came from New York!
This exchange highlights a broader issue of how Western media often perpetuates stereotypes about India, suggesting that poverty and hunger are universal experiences for all Indians. Khanna’s retort not only defended his own experiences but also shed light on the misconceptions surrounding hunger in the West, particularly in the context of his struggles as a brown immigrant in New York post-9/11. He emphasized that his true understanding of hunger came from his challenging times in America, where he faced significant obstacles as a person of color.
The clip has garnered significant attention on social media, with many praising Khanna for his articulate and dignified response. Comments from netizens reflect a shared sentiment that the anchor’s question was rooted in a colonial mindset, with some users expressing gratitude for Khanna’s ability to stand up against such stereotypes. One user remarked, “A tight slap was much needed for this BBC whose earlier generation classified us as ‘brown’ even in school/college enrollment”
Khanna’s experience is emblematic of the challenges faced by many individuals from diverse backgrounds in the culinary world and beyond. As a Michelin-star chef and a prominent figure in the Indian diaspora, he has worked to elevate Indian cuisine on the global stage while also addressing issues of racism and representation. His initiative, “Feed India,” launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed to provide meals to those in need, further showcasing his commitment to social causes
The resurgence of this video serves as a reminder of the importance of challenging stereotypes and advocating for a more nuanced understanding of different cultures. Khanna’s response not only resonated with many but also sparked important conversations about race, identity, and the media’s role in shaping perceptions of countries like India.
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