Sanjeev Kapoor is not just India’s most iconic chef—he’s a culinary innovator, entrepreneur, and television personality who transformed the way Indian households perceive cooking. From hosting the legendary show Khana Khazana to building a global brand rooted in Indian cuisine, Kapoor’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and creativity.
This article delves deep into Sanjeev Kapoor’s early life, his groundbreaking career in the culinary world, his supportive family and marriage, and his recent ventures that continue to influence food culture across the globe.
Sanjeev Kapoor’s early life: from Ambala to a passion for food
Sanjeev Kapoor was born on April 10, 1964, in Ambala, Haryana, India. He spent much of his childhood in different cities due to his father’s transferable job in the Indian government. This exposure to various cultures and cuisines played a vital role in shaping his early interest in food. Unlike many celebrity chefs who inherit culinary legacies, Kapoor’s passion for cooking was self-cultivated.
He completed his schooling in New Delhi and later joined the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Pusa, in New Delhi, where he formally began his journey into the culinary world. Graduating in 1984, Kapoor entered an industry still in its formative years in India.
Sanjeev Kapoor’s culinary career: rise to India’s most celebrated chef
Kapoor’s professional career took off when he joined the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), where he worked across various hotel kitchens in India. His big break came when he became the executive chef at Centaur Hotel in Mumbai at just 27 years old—one of the youngest to hold such a position at the time.
In 1993, he launched the television show Khana Khazana, which would become the longest-running cooking show in Asia, airing in 120 countries and watched by over 500 million viewers. The show’s massive popularity turned Kapoor into a household name, not just in India but also among the Indian diaspora worldwide.
He also authored more than 200 cookbooks in multiple languages, covering everything from Indian street food to healthy cooking and festive menus. Titles such as Royal Hyderabadi Cooking and Healthy Cooking for Kids are among his bestsellers.
In 2001, he launched Sanjeev Kapoor’s Khazana, a line of ready-to-cook meals, masalas, and pickles that reached supermarkets across India and overseas. In 2011, he launched his 24-hour food channel FoodFood, India’s first food and lifestyle television network, further cementing his status as an entrepreneur-chef.
Sanjeev Kapoor’s family background and influence on His success
Kapoor was born into a Punjabi family that valued education and cultural exposure. Though not directly from a culinary lineage, his family’s support allowed him to explore his creative interests. His father, a banker, was a disciplined figure who influenced Sanjeev’s approach to work and leadership. His mother’s home-cooked meals were his first introduction to the subtle nuances of Indian cuisine.
Kapoor often credits his upbringing for his ability to appreciate regional diversity in Indian food, something that has been a defining trait in his recipes and public work.
Sanjeev Kapoor’s marriage to Alyona Kapoor: a personal and professional partnership
Sanjeev Kapoor is married to Alyona Kapoor, who has played a crucial role in his entrepreneurial journey. The couple met through family connections and married in the early 1990s. Alyona brought strong managerial and business acumen to Kapoor’s culinary empire. She is a director in several of his business ventures and was instrumental in the launch of FoodFood channel.
Their partnership is often cited as a model of spousal collaboration in the culinary and media industries. While Sanjeev focused on content, recipes, and public relations, Alyona managed operations, branding, and growth strategies. They have two daughters and maintain a relatively private personal life despite Sanjeev Kapoor’s celebrity status.
Sanjeev Kapoor’s recent work: foodtech, masterclasses, and global outreach
In recent years, Sanjeev Kapoor has expanded his work into tech and wellness. He invested in food-tech startups, such as Zappfresh and Tinychef, that focus on AI-based cooking assistance and direct-to-consumer fresh meat delivery. He also entered the health and wellness space, launching recipe lines catering to diabetes, heart health, and vegan lifestyles.
Kapoor has been active in conducting virtual masterclasses and collaborating with global chefs to promote Indian cuisine abroad. His presence at food festivals in Singapore, London, and the Middle East has helped position Indian food as both gourmet and accessible. He has also taken on philanthropic roles, supporting organizations like Akshaya Patra Foundation for mid-day meals and conducting special cooking sessions for underprivileged communities.
Kapoor’s YouTube channel, with millions of subscribers, remains active, offering new-age recipes and simplified traditional dishes adapted for modern kitchens.