Ranveer Brar's journey, from a young boy observing the preparation of langar at a gurdwara in Lucknow to becoming one of India's most renowned chefs, exemplifies the art of remaining grounded while aspiring for greatness.

In an open discussion on Hindustan Times' The Impossible Show with Ritesh Agarwal, Chef Brar shares insights into various phases of his life, including his childhood in Lucknow, his deep spiritual bond with food, and the challenging setbacks that contributed to his achievements.

Lucknow: The quiet rebel that made him

Brar remarks with a smile, “Lucknow possesses a subtle sense of rebellion. It expresses its thoughts without being overly vocal.” For him, the city is not merely where he was born; it is an integral part of his identity.

Growing up in a humble home, Brar's initial experiences with food were rooted in service rather than gourmet kitchens. “Every Sunday, my grandfather would take me to the gurdwara. I would sit near the langar area, observing, listening, and absorbing everything around me. That was my first education.”

At the age of ten, he prepared his inaugural dish—a sweet rice infused with jaggery—for the community. “After that, they affectionately called me langari,” he chuckles. “But more than anything, I discovered the enchantment of food. It linked me to something profound.” Watch the complete episode below.

Failures, forks in the road, and the power of skill

Although he initially received widespread recognition as the youngest executive chef in India, Brar's journey took a challenging turn when his restaurant in Boston closed its doors. “I entered the restaurant only to be handed a legal notice along with a $5,000 check. Just like that—it was finished.”

However, despair did not ensue; instead, he found a quiet determination. “A friend once told me, ‘Ranveer, you can earn a living even with an egg stall. Your hands possess the skill.’ That advice resonated with me.”

Brar's confidence in his abilities, coupled with the support of those around him, enabled him to rebuild his career. “At times, when you lose faith in yourself, others can carry that belief for you. That was the invaluable support I was unknowingly cultivating.”

Family, values, and the art of observation

Brar embodies the essence of a poet, with his expressions rich in nostalgia and subtlety. When he reflects on family, he emphasizes not merely the bonds of kinship but the development of character. “Values aren’t taught; they’re caught,” he asserts. “Growing up in a joint family allows you to observe and absorb. My acting and storytelling are deeply rooted in those childhood experiences.”

His conviction in the significance of India’s most vital institution—the family—remains steadfast. “In other countries, individuals depend on laws and systems. In India, many issues find resolution within the confines of a home.”

Spirituality and the soul of cooking

Ranveer Brar perceives food as more than mere nourishment. He states, “Cooking is seva.” He believes that whether in a temple, at a wedding, or in a restaurant, it serves as an offering. His spirituality, deeply ingrained in gratitude, underpins his philosophy of life.

Reflecting on his childhood, he shares how he would “bargain” with the divine. “I prepared food for the langar. Now, please ensure there’s no power outage during the India match!” he laughs. “That was my deal. And somehow, it always seemed to work.”

Building a legacy beyond himself

Currently, Brar embodies more than just the role of a chef; he serves as a mentor, entrepreneur, and cultural representative for Indian cuisine. However, he humbly states, “I’m not the standard. I’m merely the one who opens doors.” In collaboration with The Impossible Show, Brar has introduced the Ranveer-Ritesh Agarwal Fellowship, a program designed to provide aspiring chefs with initial funding to pursue their culinary aspirations.

His advice to emerging chefs is clear: “This industry requires more individuals who believe. If we have achieved this much through hard work and determination, just think of the heights you can reach with the same dedication.”

Read Also: Brian Austin Green vs. Machine Gun Kelly: Leaked DM Sparks Controversy

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!