Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna has appeared in TIME magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world for 2026. Elated by the honor, Khanna said he “has no words to fully express my gratitude”.
“What a moment – for Indian cuisine, for our culture, for every story that started in a humble kitchen,” Khanna said in an Instagram post, recalling his journey to the TIME 100 list that began in the narrow, vibrant streets of Amritsar.
“Who would have thought that this was a boy from the narrow streets of Amritsar – who tried to escape with other children, who knew that rolling bread at the Golden Temple would lead to the biggest platform in the world,” Khanna wrote, noting that he chose cooking as an act of rebellion.
Khanna, who knew the boy who “once sold chole bhature as a small dream, will one day find his name among the world’s most influential voices,” said Khanna in utter disbelief.
“This is not just my journey of 41 years of consistency,” Khanna said, crediting his success to “every mother, every teacher, every sister, every hand that believed and every board that carried the story forward.” – “Tatastha.”
He also thanked Chef Eric Ripert and Sandra Ripert for being his first family in the US. “Thank you @ericripert for being my support for decades. @sandraripert and you are my first family in the US”
Read also | Vikas Khanna becomes only Indian shortlisted for ‘Oscars of food World’
The “Kari boy” who conquered the world
There was a time when the now famous chef was called ‘curry boy’ with disdain, said Vikas Khanna, recalling how his beloved late sister Radhika Khanna always saw her destiny in what the world considered an insult.
“One day it will be your badge of honor,” she said.
There was not a single achievement in Khanna’s life where he did not thank his sister for her strong belief in him.
In an emotional post for his biggest cheerleader, Khanna wrote, “I know she is still fighting for me from above. I can almost hear her today saying, ‘Aaj toh champagne piyenge… Apna time aa gaya’.”
“This moment is not just mine — it belongs to every dream that has been doubted, every identity that has been challenged, and every voice that has refused to be silenced,” the chef wrote.
“Thank you, TIME, for truly putting yours on the list of the world’s most influential people,” said a grateful Khanna.
Read also | Sundar Pichai, Ranbir Kapoor and Vikas Khanna named in TIME’s Most Influential List
A TIME profile of Khanna described him as “a man with an extraordinary heart”.
“His generosity extends far beyond the kitchen, reaching communities around the world with compassion, dignity and a deep sense of responsibility. What makes Vikas so unique is his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, using food as a universal language to build bridges and foster understanding,” James Beard Award-winning chef Eric Ripert wrote in a TIME profile of Khanna.
Khanna carries her culture with “immense pride”, sharing the richness of Indian traditions while making them accessible and meaningful to a global audience. “With Bungalow, he created more than just a restaurant – it’s a living expression of storytelling.
‘Proud to see my son recognized’
In response to Vikas Khanna’s post, his mother Bindu Khanna wrote, “So proud to see my son recognized among the world’s changemakers in the TIME100 list.”
“Your hard work, integrity and passion continue to inspire us every day. The world is taking notice – this is just the beginning. Keep shining! 🌟,” she added.
Read also | Vikas Khanna reveals what gave him ‘perspective’ in the restaurant business
More Indians on TIMES Most Influential People 2026 list
- Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet/Google
- Ranbir Kapoor, Bollywood actor
- Neal Mohan, CEO of YouTube
- Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of NYC
- Kiran Musunuru, physician-scientist
