In a proud moment for India and its rich culinary heritage, celebrity chef Vikas Khanna has been named among the world’s 100 most influential people in 2026 by TIME Magazine. His inclusion is not just a personal milestone—it is a global recognition of Indian cuisine, culture, and the power of purpose-driven success.
Born in Amritsar, Punjab, Khanna’s journey is anything but conventional. He was born with a foot deformity that limited his mobility as a child, yet he found strength and passion in cooking at a very young age. From training in India’s top hotel chains to studying at prestigious institutions abroad, his early years were marked by determination and relentless hard work.
However, success did not come easily. When Khanna moved to New York, he faced rejection, financial struggles, and uncertainty. But perseverance paid off. He eventually rose to global fame with his Michelin-starred restaurant Junoon, which became a landmark for Indian fine dining in the West.
What truly sets Khanna apart—and earned him a place on the TIME 100 list—is not just his culinary excellence, but his humanitarian spirit. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched large-scale food distribution initiatives like “Feed India,” serving millions of meals to those in need. His work reflects a deeper philosophy: food is not just nourishment, but a tool for compassion and connection.
Beyond the kitchen, Khanna is a prolific author, filmmaker, and television personality, widely known for his role as a judge on MasterChef India. His documentary The Last Color and his books further showcase his storytelling ability and commitment to social causes.
The TIME profile describes him as someone who uses food as a universal language to connect people across cultures, highlighting his empathy and global impact.
From the narrow lanes of Amritsar to global recognition, Vikas Khanna’s journey is a story of resilience, humility, and purpose. His presence on the TIME 100 list is not just an accolade—it is a celebration of how passion, when combined with compassion, can truly influence the world.