Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor shared a remarkable anecdote from when he was awarded the Padma Shri in 2017, revealing how he stood firm on wearing his chef’s uniform despite initial resistance due to official protocol.
Why Sanjeev Kapoor refused Padma Shri before clarifying this request
In his video series Kahani Khazana, Kapoor reflected on the moment as a personal milestone and a defining statement for his profession. The Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours, is awarded by the Government of India in recognition of significant contributions across disciplines including the arts, public affairs, science and others.
Recalling the incident, Kapoor emphasized the emotional and symbolic importance of his attire. “For all the years I worked in a hotel as a chef, I wore a full uniform to work every day. He added: “I feel that the chef’s uniform carries pride and honor, and maybe that’s why chefs have gotten to where they are today.”
The chef explained that he was briefed on the dress protocol before the ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where awardees are usually expected to wear formal Indian attire. “I was told there was a protocol and I would have to wear the national dress,” he said.
However, Kapoor was unwilling to compromise on what he considered a matter of identity and professional dignity. Despite explaining that the uniform represented his life’s work, his request was initially denied. Determined to say something, he took a firm stand. “If you don’t want to give me a Padma Shri in this, then don’t give it to me at all.
His insistence eventually won out. Kapoor recalled that there were no further objections when he arrived at the ceremony. “I reached the Rashtrapati Bhavan and got the Padma Shri in my cook’s uniform without any fuss or trouble,” he said.
Kapoor reflected on how the perception of chefs has evolved over the years, especially in the media. “When I started on TV, the chef’s hat disappeared from the frame. Slowly, to look more casual, they suggested I wear a normal shirt instead,” he noted, pointing to a gradual shift away from traditional culinary ideas.
Kapoor’s career has played a significant role in raising the profile of chefs in India. Through television shows, cookbooks, and culinary ventures, he helped bring professional cooking into the mainstream of popular culture. His contributions have also been recognized with accolades such as the National Award for “Best Chef of India”.
For Kapoor, the Padma Shri was not just a personal honor. “I feel that the Padma Shri that I have received is not just for me, it is for the entire culinary community,” he said, underscoring the broader significance of the moment.
