Chef Sanjeev Kapoor has long been a household name, known for changing how India viewed cooking on television. His culinary skills, calm demeanour, and signature phrases made him a familiar face in kitchens across the country. Recently, the celebrated chef appeared on Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa’s podcast, offering fans a glimpse into his personal connections and untold stories from his career. In an episode filled with nostalgia and warmth, he opened up about his old friend and colleague, Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi.
It all started when Haarsh casually asked if Sanjeev Kapoor had caught episodes of Laughter Chefs, a show currently judged by Chef Harpal. Without a pause, Sanjeev admitted, “Obviously, I have watched the show because it is our own chef on the show
Sanjeev Kapoor spoke about knowing Harpal from his earliest days in the profession. Back then, Kapoor held the position of executive chef at a hotel. Harpal was working alongside him, still finding his place in the culinary world. Kapoor mentioned that when he decided to leave his job and venture into television and content creation, Harpal was among the first chefs to join him in this new chapter. He said that when he started his own channel, he needed different chefs for varied shows, and Harpal naturally became a part of that journey.
Their early collaborations weren’t without challenges. Sanjeev fondly remembered the shooting days for Turban Tadka, a show that would eventually become one of Harpal’s signature offerings. Kapoor revealed that it took almost a year to complete just 15 to 16 episodes. He smiled while recalling how shy and hesitant Harpal was in those days. Whenever Sanjeev walked into the studio, Harpal would go silent, unsure of how to behave in front of his senior. That nervous energy was something Kapoor noticed early on.
To break the ice, Sanjeev decided to lighten the atmosphere. He shared how he once told Harpal that if he could say ‘namak swaad anusar’ effortlessly, everything else would follow naturally. That simple piece of advice, coupled with Sanjeev’s reassurance, proved to be a turning point for Harpal. From that moment, the once-reticent chef found his voice, and according to Sanjeev, “he has never kept quiet after that.”
Bharti Singh, always quick with her wit, chimed in to praise Harpal’s lively personality and cooking talent. She mentioned how they have yet to taste Harpal’s famous food on set. Sanjeev Kapoor playfully responded, suggesting they should request Harpal’s wife Aparna to send some over, teasing that only then might they get a taste.
This easy camaraderie between old colleagues and new friends created a delightful mood on the podcast. Sanjeev Kapoor also expressed admiration for Harpal’s journey, appreciating how he has managed to blend his cheerful nature with exceptional culinary skills.
