Famous chef Sanjeev Kapoor was once called 'badtameez', he could not recognise a Bollywood celeb at a party. Who was he?

Sanjeev Kapoor is one of India’s most celebrated chefs, renowned not only in the country but also internationally. He made cooking a household topic through his long-running television show Khana Khazana, which inspired countless home cooks. Apart from television, Sanjeev is also a restaurateur, cookbook author, and has been honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri for his contribution to Indian cuisine. Recently, he shared a story about being labelled "badtameez" early in his career for not recognising Bollywood celebrities at a party.

Why Sanjeev Kapoor was called 'badtameez'?

Before fame and accolades, Sanjeev’s journey had humble beginnings. After completing his culinary studies in Delhi, he moved to New Zealand, where he worked for two years, gaining international exposure and experience in professional kitchens. Returning to India in 1992, he became the youngest Executive Chef at Mumbai’s Centaur Hotel, a position that exposed him to the bustling hospitality and entertainment industries.


It was during his stint at Centaur that he encountered Bollywood for the first time. The hotel regularly hosted film industry parties, and Sanjeev was asked to meet several stars during one such gathering. However, he didn’t recognise many of them, including music composer Anu Malik and the duo Nadeem-Shravan.

This led to an awkward situation, as the banquet manager reportedly called him into the office and scolded him for appearing rude. The manager explained that meeting the celebrities was part of his responsibilities and stressed the importance of being courteous and attentive.

"He told me that you have to change your attitude. ‘ Tum bahut badtameez insaan ho (You are a very rude person)," Sanjeev told The Lallantop.

Sanjeev recalled that he didn’t understand the manager’s reaction initially. He had been in New Zealand when the film Aashiqui was released, so he was unaware of the latest Bollywood names and movies at that time. While he could have recognised megastars like Amitabh Bachchan, the newcomers from the contemporary music and film scene were unfamiliar to him.

More about Sanjeev Kapoor's professional front

Despite this early misunderstanding, Sanjeev did not let it hinder his ambitions. Over the years, he gained immense recognition for his approachable and engaging style of cooking. His show Khana Khazana became one of the longest-running culinary programs in Asia, airing for 18 years and inspiring generations of aspiring chefs. He is praised for presenting complex recipes in a simple, relatable manner, making cooking accessible to millions of viewers.



Today, Sanjeev Kapoor is a household name and a respected figure in both the culinary world and popular culture. From being labelled “badtameez” at a Bollywood party to becoming India’s most recognised chef, Sanjeev Kapoor’s journey was quite a rollercoaster ride.