Chef Kunal Kapur: All about the culinary star embroiled in a divorce battle

The Supreme Court has stayed a Delhi High Court order granting divorce to celebrity chef Kunal Kapur. The stay comes after Kapur’s estranged wife challenged the High Court’s decision in the top court. 

A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti, while issuing the stay order, has referred the case to the Supreme Court Mediation Centre to explore the possibility of a settlement, mentions a report by NDTV.

The Delhi High Court had granted divorce to Kapur in April 2024, citing grounds of cruelty allegedly meted out to him by his wife. The judgment stated that the wife’s conduct towards Kapur was “devoid of dignity and empathy,” bringing “disgrace to the very essence of marriage,” the report adds.  

The couple, who married in April 2008 and have a son born in 2012, have been embroiled in a legal battle where Kapur accused his wife of disrespecting his parents and humiliating him, while she countered with false allegations.

Who is Chef Kunal Kapur?

Chef Kunal Kapur has established himself as a prominent figure in the Indian culinary landscape. Born and raised in New Delhi, his passion for cooking began in his family’s kitchen, where he observed and assisted his father and grandfather in preparing traditional Indian dishes.

Kapur’s formal culinary education began at the Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Hotel Management Catering and Nutrition, Chandigarh, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of food. He embarked on his professional journey soon, working in renowned kitchens at five-star hotels across India.

Rise to fame

Kapur’s breakthrough came when he joined the Leela Kempinski in Gurgaon. His innovative approach to Indian cuisine and his ability to blend traditional flavours with modern presentation techniques quickly caught the attention of food critics and enthusiasts alike.

However, it was his role as a judge on MasterChef India that catapulted him to national and international fame. His kind demeanour, combined with his culinary expertise, made him a household name. Kapur appeared as a judge on multiple seasons of the show, starting from its inception in 2010.

 

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Culinary philosophy and achievements

Known for his contemporary take on Indian cuisine, Kapur has been instrumental in popularising regional Indian dishes on the global stage. He has represented India at various international platforms and has been invited to cook for world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, at the NASSCOM event in Bangalore with his ‘Make in India’ menu.

In an interview with indianexpress.com, he mentioned, “Food serves as a gateway to the heart of any community, reflecting its history, traditions, and the unique stories of its people. As a chef, this culinary exploration is a fundamental part of my journey, offering insights into diverse culinary techniques, ingredient combinations, and the cultural significance attached to each dish.”

Kapur’s culinary philosophy revolves around using fresh, local ingredients and presenting traditional Indian flavours in a modern avatar. He has authored several cookbooks, including ‘A Chef in Every Home’ and ‘Kunal Kapur in the Kitchen,’ which have been well-received.

Television and social media presence

Kapur has hosted several other culinary shows, apart from MasterChef India, including ‘My Yellow Table’ and ‘Pickle Nation.’ His YouTube channel, where he shares recipes and cooking tips, has garnered millions of views, and has amassed over 5.7 million subscribers, making him one of the most followed Indian chefs.

On Instagram, Kapur boasts a following of over 3.5 million, where he regularly posts about his culinary creations, travels, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of his professional life.

Current projects and popularity

Despite the ongoing personal challenges, Kapur continues to be actively involved in his profession. He is seen constantly travelling, developing innovative menus and concepts on the way, inspiring millions across the world. He has also been actively promoting sustainable cooking practices and championing the cause of reducing food waste.

His popularity remains undiminished, with his opinions on food trends and easy cooking techniques highly sought after by his fans and followers. Kapur continues to inspire a new generation of chefs through his work and remains committed to bringing out the best India has to offer when it comes to food.

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