Chef Kunal Kapur - Best Show, Age, Career, Achievements.

Dive into the compelling story of Chef Kunal Kapur on this page, showcasing his impressive journey from his roots in a food-loving Punjabi family to becoming a celebrated chef, restaurateur, and television personality.

Profile Summary

Table of Content

• Biography

• Education

• Kunal Kapur's Ex-Wife

• Career

• Most Recognized Shows

• Achievements 

• Interesting Facts

Biography 

Kunal Kapur, born on September 18, 1979, in New Delhi, India, is a celebrated Indian chef, restaurateur, and television personality. He has gained widespread recognition as a host and judge on the popular Indian television series MasterChef India and Junior MasterChef India. With his unique culinary style, innovative recipes, and modern approach to traditional Indian cuisine, Kapur has established himself as one of the most influential chefs in the country.

Kapur's passion for cooking began at a young age, as he grew up in a Punjabi family where food played a central role in their daily lives. After completing his schooling, he decided to pursue a career in the culinary arts and enrolled at the Institute of Hotel Management in Pusa, New Delhi. Upon graduating, he gained valuable experience working in various hotels and restaurants throughout the country.

In 2008, Kapur joined the prestigious Leela Kempinski Hotel in Gurgaon as an executive sous chef, where he honed his skills and developed his distinct culinary style. His expertise in combining traditional Indian ingredients with modern techniques and presentation quickly caught the attention of the culinary world, earning him numerous accolades and awards.

Kapur's big break came in 2010 when he was invited to host and judge the inaugural season of MasterChef India, a reality cooking competition based on the popular international format. His warm personality, extensive knowledge of Indian cuisine, and ability to connect with contestants made him an instant favourite among viewers. He continued to host and judge the show for two more seasons, as well as the first season of Junior MasterChef India.

Throughout his career, Kapur has been honored with several awards, including the Dr. S. Radhakrishnan National Media Network Award. His culinary skills have also earned him a Michelin star, making him one of the few Indian chefs to receive this prestigious recognition. In addition to his work on television, Kapur has authored several cookbooks and frequently conducts culinary workshops and demonstrations around the world.

Education

Kunal Kapur studied at St. Francis De Sales School and pursued higher education in Hotel Management from Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Hotel Management Catering & Nutrition, Chandigarh. And he pursued his passion for cooking by enrolling in the Institute of Hotel Management, Pusa, New Delhi. There, he honed his culinary skills and graduated with a degree in hospitality and hotel administration.

After completing his education, Kapoor began his professional career at the prestigious Taj Group of Hotels. He worked in various capacities within the group, including as a Sous Chef at the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi. His culinary expertise and innovative approach to Indian cuisine soon caught the attention of the culinary world, leading to his successful career as a chef, restaurateur, and television personality.

Kunal Kapur's Ex-Wife

Kunal Kapur and his wife Ekta's marriage ended with a divorce, granted by the Delhi High Court on the grounds of 'cruelty'. The couple, who married in 2008, have a son named Ranbir born in 2012. Kunal Kapur accused Ekta of emotional abuse and intimidation, involving threats to tarnish his reputation and embarrassing public outbursts, especially highlighting an incident in 2016 on the 'Masterchef' set.

In contrast, Ekta accused Kapur of disloyalty and claimed emotional abuse. She suggested sacrificing her career aspirations due to pressure from her in-laws to adopt a more traditional homemaker role. The court's observation noted Ekta's actions as lacking dignity and empathy, concluding that such behaviour degraded the essence of their marriage and justified the divorce.

Career

Kunal Kapur started his career with the renowned Taj Group of Hotels. He performed a variety of roles for the team, including serving as a sous chef at the Taj Palace in New Delhi

In 2008, Kapur accepted a position as executive sous chef at the Leela Kempinski Hotel in Gurgaon, where he furthered his culinary training and created his own distinctive style. His creative approach to Indian food, which combines traditional ingredients with cutting-edge preparation and presentation techniques, rapidly attracted praise from the culinary community.

When he was chosen to host and judge the first season of MasterChef India in 2010, Kapur got his big break. He quickly became a fan favorite among viewers thanks to his friendly demeanor, depth of understanding of Indian cuisine, and capacity for relating to participants. For two additional seasons, as well as the inaugural Junior MasterChef India season, he remained to host and judge the programme.

Kapur has established himself with an excellent track record as a culinary authority by participating in a number of food-related reality shows and documentaries throughout his time on television. He has written multiple cookbooks as well, inspiring readers all over the world with his creative recipes and love of Indian food.

In addition to his work in literature and television, Kapur is a prosperous restaurant. He has established a number of eateries both in India and overseas, demonstrating his distinct cooking techniques and offering diners a singular culinary experience. His restaurants have won praise from the public and critics, solidifying his position as a top chef in the field.

The Dr. S. Radhakrishnan National Media Network Award is only one of the many honours and awards that have been bestowed upon Kapur over his career. He is one of the few Indian chefs to have received a Michelin star, which is a testament to his talent in the kitchen.

Most Recognized Shows

MasterChef India

PlayMasterChef India is a popular cooking competition reality television series based on the British show MasterChef. The show has been a tremendous success in India, providing a platform for talented home cooks to showcase their culinary skills and passion for food. Kunal Kapur, a renowned Indian chef, has played a significant role in the show's success, having hosted and judged the series in Season 1, Season 2, Season 3, and Season 5.

Kapur made his debut on MasterChef India in 2010 with the show's inaugural season. Alongside fellow judges Ajay Chopra and Akshay Kumar, Kapur brought his expertise in Indian cuisine and a warm, approachable demeanor to the show. His ability to connect with contestants and viewers alike quickly made him a fan favorite. The first season was a massive hit, garnering high television ratings and establishing MasterChef India as a premier culinary competition in the country.

In Season 2, Kapur returned as a judge, this time alongside Chef Ajay Chopra and Chef Vikas Khanna. The season continued to build on the success of the first, with Kapur's insightful critiques, encouragement, and mentorship helping to shape the culinary journeys of the contestants. His passion for Indian cuisine and commitment to nurturing new talent was evident throughout the season.

After a brief hiatus, Kapur returned to MasterChef India for Season 5, joining Chef Vikas Khanna and Chef Zorawar Kalra on the judging panel. This season focused on innovation and creativity in cooking, with Kapur playing an instrumental role in pushing contestants to think outside the box and elevate their culinary skills to new heights.

MasterChef America

MasterChef America, also known as MasterChef US, is a popular cooking competition reality television series based on the British show MasterChef. The show has been a tremendous success in the United States, providing a platform for talented home cooks to showcase their culinary skills and passion for food. In Season 2, Chef Kunal Kapur, a renowned Indian chef, was invited as a guest judge, a testament to his expertise and global recognition in the culinary world.

Season 2 of MasterChef US aired in 2011 and featured celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, restaurateur Joe Bastianich, and chef Graham Elliot as the main judges. The show followed a similar format to the British version, with contestants participating in various cooking challenges, including Mystery Box, Team Challenges, and Pressure Tests, to secure their place in the competition.

As a guest judge, Chef Kunal Kapur brought his extensive knowledge of Indian cuisine and his unique perspective on flavors, techniques, and presentation to the MasterChef US kitchen. His presence on the show not only introduced the contestants and viewers to the diverse and rich culinary heritage of India but also showcased the global impact of Indian cuisine.

My Yellow Table 

PlayMy Yellow Table is a popular food series hosted by Chef Kunal Kapur on NDTV Good Times, a lifestyle television channel in India. The show first premiered in 2015 and has since enjoyed four successful seasons, with Kapur at the helm throughout its run. The series showcases a unique blend of cooking, conversation, and camaraderie, making it a favourite among food enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

The premise of My Yellow Table revolves around Chef Kunal Kapur inviting a guest to his kitchen, where they engage in candid conversations while preparing a delicious meal together. The show is set around a bright yellow table, which serves as the focal point for the culinary creations and heartfelt discussions that unfold during each episode. The guests on the show include a mix of celebrities, social influencers, and everyday people, each bringing their own stories and perspectives to the table.

Achievements

• The Limca Book of Records listed Kunal Kapur as the creator of India's largest Chocolate Tower.
• Kunal Kapoor won Indian Television Academy Award for Best Jury/Anchor Junior MasterChef India.
• John Key, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, presented him with the Sir Edmund Hillary Fellowship in the category of Food & Beverage.
• For Thalis of India, Kunal took home the 2017 Epicurean Guild Award for Best Food Entertainer.
• WBR India's Most Enterprising Brands & Leaders of Asia Award.
• The 2023 Stunningly Stylish Culinarian of the Year will receive the Pinkvilla Style Icons Award.

Interesting Facts 

• He was invited as a guest judge in Season 2 of MasterChef America.
• Kunal Kapur has authored cookbooks, sharing his cooking secrets with a global audience
• He has a height of approximately 6 feet 1 inch and weighs around 75 kg.
• He has served as the Executive Sous Chef at the Leela Kempinski in Gurgaon
• Chef Kunal Kapur is married to Ekta Kapur, the couple has a son named Ranbir Kapur.

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