Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna recently hosted Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway at his New York restaurant, Bungalow. The visit, however, transcended a simple celebrity sighting; it held profound personal significance for Khanna, deeply intertwined with memories of his late sister, Radha.
Following Hathaway’s delightful experience with Indian cuisine at Bungalow, Khanna presented her with a thoughtful gift: Mysore Sandalwood Soap, a handcrafted marble box from Agra, and a copy of Monica Saigal’s “Kiss in Kashmir.” This wasn’t merely a token of appreciation; it was a poignant tribute to Radha, who found solace and joy in watching Hathaway’s films during her battle with lupus. Khanna shared his poignant story on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, accompanying the announcement with a video of the presentation. The official Mysore Sandal team also expressed their pride in being part of this touching moment, highlighting the global reach of Karnataka’s heritage.
Khanna revealed that he and Radha had watched Hathaway’s films, particularly “The Devil Wears Prada,” countless times during her illness. Reciting the lines from the movie brought Radha immense joy, offering a much-needed escape from her suffering. Khanna, deeply affected by his sister’s response to Hathaway’s work, even memorized lines himself, sharing the experience with Radha and a friend. He fondly recounted how watching her laugh became a source of comfort and healing during this difficult period. Even after Radha’s passing, and despite deleting the movie files from his computer, the encounter with Hathaway resurrected these cherished memories.
Hosting Hathaway, therefore, represented more than just a professional engagement; it was a deeply emotional experience for Khanna, a chance to express gratitude for the happiness Hathaway’s films brought to his sister. This sentiment was beautifully conveyed in a photoshopped image shared by Khanna, symbolically uniting Hathaway with his sister. The gesture perfectly encapsulated the chef’s profound connection to his sister and his unique way of expressing love and gratitude through his culinary art.