A CHEF'S DIWALI

On his recent visit to Delhi, celebrity chef Ranveer Brar revives the nostalgia of his childhood Diwalis. His new book, A Journey Through India, shows how far he has come in his journey as a storyteller of culture.

- PRIYAMVADA RANA

MORE than Diwali itself, it's the festive frenzy ahead of the festival that cheers us. While many love Diwali for different aspects for its fairy lights to family get-togethers to the famous card parties, for celebrated chef Ranveer Brar, food, feelings, and festivals go hand in hand. "Some of my most priceless memories associated with Diwali date back to my childhood days. Diwali meant a visit from relatives, especially cousins. The moments closest to my heart are those spent with Biji (grandmother) and my mom in the kitchen, helping or watching them prepare special treats like Kanak Kheer and Atte ki Pinni," he says, adding, "The aroma of ghee and wheat flour would fill the entire house. Freshly harvested cotton would be brought in and we kids would be tasked with making Baatis!"

The star chef was in the city to whip a festive feast and unveil homeware brand Home Centre's kitchen essentials for festive gatherings. TMS catches up with him at a time when he is wearing many hats from a film debut in The Buckingham Murders to writing his third book, A Journey Through India (self-published), after his previous two books Come Into My Kitchen (Collins India) and A Traditional Twist (Popular Prakashan). The new book fortifies him as not just a food connoisseur but a storyteller of culture. - a feat chefs have seldom achieved in this country.

Festive greetings