How Vikas Khanna's ‘act of rebellion’ led a chole bhature seller to feature in TIME’s Most Influential People of 2026

Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna featured in TIME magazine’s 2026 list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Elated by honour, Khanna said he has “no words to fully express my gratitude”.

“What a moment—for Indian cuisine, for our culture, for every story that began in a humble kitchen,” Khanna said in an Instagram post, reminiscing about his journey to the TIME 100 list, which began from the narrow, vibrant lanes of Amritsar.

“Who would have imagined that a boy from the narrow lanes of Amritsar—who struggled to run with other kids, who knew that rolling breads at Golden Temple would lead to the biggest platform in the World,” Khanna wrote, noting that he chose cooking as an act of rebellion.

In utter disbelief, Khanna said, who knew a boy who “once sold chole bhature as a small dream would one day find his name among the world’s most influential voices.”

“This is not just my journey of 41 years of consistency,” Khanna said, crediting his achievement to “every mother, every teacher, every sister, every hand that believed, and every plate that carried a story forward.” — “Tatasthu.”

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 U.S.”

“One day, this will be your badge of honour,” she would say.

There hasn't been a single achievement in Khanna's life that he didn't thank his sister for her strong belief in him.

In an emotional post for his biggest cheerleader, Khanna wrote: “I know she’s 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 was doubted, every identity that was questioned, and every voice that refused to be silenced,” the chef wrote.

“Thank you, TIME, for including yours truly in the list of the Most Influential People in the World,” a grateful Khanna said.

The TIME profile for Khanna described him as a “man of extraordinary heart”.

“His generosity extends far beyond the kitchen, reaching communities across the world with compassion, dignity, and a deep sense of responsibility. What makes Vikas so unique is his ability to connect with people from every walk of life, using food as a universal language to build bridges and foster understanding,” Eric Ripert, James Beard Award–winning chef, wrote in the TIME profile for Khanna.

Khanna carries his culture with “immense pride”, sharing the richness of Indian traditions while making them accessible and meaningful to a global audience. “With Bungalow, he has created more than a restaurant-it is a living expression of storytelling.”

“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.