In 1993, when Sanjeev Kapoor started his first cookery show, ‘Khana Khazana’ nobody would have ever imagined that he would soon become a household name, not just in India but worldwide. Even after fourteen years, he still remains everyone’s favorite celebrity chef. Author of numerous best selling Cook books, winner of several Culinary Awards, Sanjeev Kapoor has also established up-market restaurants in the country and abroad. There is more to the ‘Master Chef’s’ life than just the ‘delicious food’.

• SC: ‘The Yellow Chilli’, the name of your restaurant chain, is quite an unusual name. How did you get the name?

• Sanjeev Kapoor: At times you need no logic to do what you want and this is what applies here as well. I belong to Uttar Pradesh and this name has been derived from my favorite street food in Merrut-Matre Ki Chaatt. They use a distinctively flavored chilly that is yellow in color and I simply savor its taste. I guess that’s a good enough reason.

• SC: What’s the secret to your never-ending energy?

• SK: I think that positive energy is more important than just energy. If you truly enjoy whatever you do then the strength to continue further and persevere comes from within.

• SC: Qualities to be a good chef/cook…

• SK: Being a chef could be very challenging. If you love experimenting with your culinary skills and dare to be different then it is the right thing for you. Apart from the right aptitude, one needs to have the commitment, passion and loyalty. The aspirant should have the ability to take criticism in his/her stride.

• SC: Do you share a special relation with the almighty? How do you connect with him?

• SK: Every individual shares a special bond with the almighty and even I do the same. I connect with him by giving my cent percent in whatever I do and I strongly believe in being a nice human being as a whole. Cooking is meditation for me.

• SC: Are you very choosy while endorsing any products or services?

• SK: I have just done seven commercials in 13 years. It’s not that I wasn’t offered any, but just because of the reason that I only believe in endorsing things that are genuinely good for the people.

• SC: Lot of work can be taxing at times. What do you do to unwind and de-stress yourself?

• SK: To be a winner you need to work like a horse not like a donkey. And if you enjoy your work, it can never be taxing. Moreover my profession at times demands a lot of traveling and that really rejuvenates me.

• SC: Your dream…

• SK: I really want to make Indian food the most popular cuisine worldwide and the most respected food in India when it comes to eating out.

• SC: Food for thought…

• SK: Whenever you are eating, start focusing on what is good rather than cribbing about what is not good and then talk about the goodness in that food. It takes a lot of effort even to prepare a single dish. Always relish the food you eat, provided that you are eating healthy.