Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor recently recounted an early experience in his career where he was labelled "badtameez" (rude) for failing to recognize Bollywood stars at a party. The incident occurred in 1992 when Kapoor, after a stint in New Zealand, had just become the youngest Executive Chef at the Centaur Hotel in Mumbai.
Kapoor recalled that the Centaur Hotel was a popular venue for Bollywood parties at the time. As the new Executive Chef, he was invited to meet the guests at one of these gatherings. However, having been away and not deeply familiar with the Indian film industry, he didn't recognize any of the celebrities present.
In an interview with The Lallantop, Kapoor described what happened after the party. "At the party, they made me meet Bollywood stars. I met everyone and came to my office after that. The banquet manager also came to my office. He told me that since you are new, I have to talk to you," he said. The manager then told him that he needed to change his attitude, saying, "Tum bahut badtameez insaan ho (You are a very rude person)".
Kapoor was taken aback, saying, "I didn't understand what I did". The manager explained that he had introduced Kapoor to many Bollywood stars, but Kapoor acted as if he didn't know anyone. The manager then probed Kapoor's knowledge of Bollywood figures, asking if he knew Anu Malik and Nadeem-Shravan, and about the film Aashiqui, none of which Kapoor recognized.
This incident highlights the cultural importance of Bollywood in India and the expectations placed on individuals, particularly those in the hospitality industry, to recognize and acknowledge celebrities. Kapoor's experience also illustrates the potential for misunderstandings when individuals from different backgrounds interact within the Bollywood ecosystem.
Sanjeev Kapoor is now a renowned chef, television personality, and author. He is best known for his long-running cooking show Khana Khazana, where he gained popularity for his unique presentation style. Kapoor has also been involved in various culinary ventures, including restaurants and cookbooks, solidifying his position as one of India's most celebrated chefs. He has also appeared on television shows such as Indian Idol.
