Academic Struggles & Early Passion
Vikas Khanna's early life was marked by academic challenges, placing him and his sister at the lower end of their class performance. While his elder brother
was the focus of parental attention for his achievements, Vikas often felt overlooked. Despite not excelling in traditional studies, he possessed a strong sense of self and conviction in his choices, believing that his passions should be respected. This internal fortitude was crucial as he navigated his school years, a period that would soon be defined by significant adversity and the pursuit of his culinary dreams.
Facing Schoolyard Torment
The formative years of Vikas Khanna's schooling were marred by relentless bullying. Classmates would mock him, teasingly remarking that he would end up making rotis at home. This taunting, designed to belittle his aspirations, could have easily crushed his spirit. However, Khanna harbored a deep-seated conviction that propelled him forward. He was determined to continue pursuing his passion for cooking, undeterred by the derision. This unwavering belief in his path, even in the face of such negativity, laid the groundwork for his future achievements, a testament to his inner strength and focus.
Grandmother's Unwavering Support
Amidst the academic pressures and social challenges, Vikas Khanna found a steadfast ally in his grandmother. She was a beacon of support, prioritizing his happiness above all else. Her nurturing wisdom echoed in her words, questioning the societal push for him to become an engineer when his heart wasn't in it. She recognized his lack of interest in conventional academic pursuits and believed he wouldn't find success in a field he didn't connect with. This maternal wisdom provided a crucial counterpoint to external expectations, allowing Khanna the freedom to explore his true calling.
The Genesis of Culinary Business
The opening of Lawrence Garden marked a pivotal moment in Vikas Khanna's early career, though its initial success was modest. The venue primarily catered to small gatherings like kitty parties, with perhaps only one event per week. Despite the slow start, the environment was charged with passion and dedication. Khanna vividly recalls the excitement that would surge through him when his mother announced a booked kitty party, signaling an opportunity to be involved. Serving guests and contributing to these events provided him with a profound sense of purpose and belonging. This period in 1990s Amritsar, where kitty parties formed the core of the business, became an inadvertent training ground for his future in the hospitality industry.
Navigating Language and Communication
The path to public recognition and professional growth often requires overcoming linguistic barriers. When Vikas Khanna was invited to appear on Gordon Ramsay's show, he experienced significant anxiety about speaking English throughout the episode. This highlighted the need for him to refine his communication skills. Further complicating matters, upon his arrival in India, he was encouraged to adopt a more standard form of Hindi, as his Punjabi accent was prominent. Khanna diligently worked on his pronunciation and fluency in Hindi, driven by a desire to elevate the perception of chefs in the industry and demonstrate that culinary professionals hold a respected position alongside other esteemed professions.
Moments of Numbness and Growth
Vikas Khanna's journey has been punctuated by moments of profound shock and despair, particularly when his business faced demolition in the early 2000s. This event left him feeling utterly numb and shattered, especially as it coincided with the peak wedding season. The destruction of his livelihood felt like an insurmountable catastrophe. However, as he matured, Khanna developed a more nuanced perspective. He came to understand that setbacks and breakdowns are often precursors to new beginnings, analogous to a seed splitting before it can sprout. While the initial experience was devastating, it ultimately contributed to his growth and resilience, teaching him valuable lessons about impermanence and renewal.
The Dignity of Labor
A defining influence on Vikas Khanna's life and career was the unwavering work ethic and profound dignity of his mother. He recalls witnessing her tireless efforts, from personally sourcing vegetables in the market to the arduous task of cleaning gutters late into the night with sticks. These memories, though difficult to erase, served as powerful lessons. His mother embodied the principle that to achieve brilliance, one must be willing to endure hardship, encapsulated in her saying, 'If you want to shine like the sun, you must be ready to burn like it.' This ingrained understanding of hard work and the dignity of labor continues to shape every aspect of Khanna's professional endeavors even today.
Personal Responsibility and Comfort
Following significant business setbacks, Vikas Khanna grappled with intense feelings of guilt and self-blame. He questioned whether he was personally responsible for the misfortunes that had befallen him and his family. This burden weighed heavily on him, leading him to carry the internal narrative of his own failure. However, his father's intervention provided a crucial source of comfort and perspective. His father reassured him, stating that the adversities were not his fault. While these words offered some solace, the lingering sense of responsibility and self-recrimination persisted, highlighting the deep emotional impact of these challenging times.
