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Vikas Khanna’s ‘Buried Seeds’

-Immigrant Struggles &  the American Dream

(Photos by Alenka Slavinec )

Vikas Khanna, noted Michelin Star chef, is full of surprises. That he can whip up a feast is no surprise but each get-together is topped by the unexpected. The last time we ate some of the chef’s delicacies, we were treated to a first screening of his wonderful film ‘The Last Color’ which he wrote and directed. Since then the film has been shown at several film festivals including the New York Indian Film Festival and is now headed to the United Nations for a screening.

 

Just this month, Indophile Caroline Leiberman invited a group of  cinema buffs and art lovers to her gorgeous Central Park West apartment for bites. She is a big fan of Vikas Khanna and of India; She’s always in an Indian outfit and even her poodle sometimes sports a maharaja turban. His name? Mumbai! 

What is a get-together without some signature dishes by the chef? Vikas Khanna had made some of his specialties including Himalayan Salt Popcorn, Black,Red Rice, Millet Chicken Risotto – Sri Lankan style and Black Garlic and beets Yogurt Curry.

And immediately  we all trooped down to the plush home theater for yet another screening – this time a movie about Vikas Khanna, made by the filmmaker and editor Andrei Severny. ‘Buried Seeds’ is a documentary, an inspiring bio which really gets you in the heart. It is the story of the real man behind the celebrity chef and how he overcame many hurdles to make it in America.

 

Vikas Khanna’s life has been no bowl of gulab jamuns – he was born in a middle-class home in Amritsar with a club foot. He struggled with his disability  and had to overcome bullying by the other children. His is the classic story of the immigrant, coming to America with little money and big dreams.  At the age of 29, Vikas moved to New York with nothing in his pocket and even lived in a homeless shelter. He did all the kitchen jobs from dishwasher to vegetable chopper until finally one day he actually opened his own restaurant in Manhattan.

 

 

‘Buried Seeds’ is very effective and natural, almost as if you are with Khanna through all his tribulations. What comes through is his love of family and hometown which are like a beacon and an anchor for him through all the rough spots.  The audience gets totally wrapped up in his story and by the end of it are rooting for all the success which finally comes to him.

Andrei Severny, whose other short films are ‘Tom On Mars’ and ‘Disparait’  discussed in the Q and A how he came to make the documentary . His first feature film ‘Condition’ was produced by independent filmmaker Amir Naderi, and one looks forward to what comes next from him.  

Vikas Khanna and Andrei Severny at Cannes 

‘Buried Seeds’ is a compelling watch and is an inspiring film for everyone but especially for all immigrants for it shares such a positive message that with hard work and perseverance, just about anything is possible – even a restaurant of one’s own, innumerable books and even a popular television show! A deeply enriching career as filmmaker is just the icing on the cake! He proves that in the feast of life, anything is achievable, as long as you have the ingredients of passion and perseverance.

Vikas Khanna discusses Buried Seeds at Asia Society

 

Vikas Khanna has not forgotten those early days of struggle and even though he’s achieved so much recognition in so many worlds, he continues to work with a passion as if he’s just stepped off a boat of immigrants on a voyage of discovery. And that is the secret ingredient of his success.

Well, actually there are not one but two secret ingredients.

As the end credits rolled on ‘Buried Seeds’and the Q and A session was about to start, Vikas disappeared to return with huge platters of his delicious summery desserts:  Chai Panna Cotta with Strawberry Gel, and Roasted Pears.  He had spent a lot of time in creating them and transporting them there for friends and fans. So I would say, caring about others and making people happy is the other secret of his success!

Related Articles: 

What’s on Masterchef Vikas Khanna’s Menu Now? The Last Color!

 

Vikas Khanna is New York’s Hottest Chef