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Get set for a gastronomical trip with Vikas Khanna on ‘Twist of Taste’
MUMBAI: Buck up for a gastronomical session as the New York based Michelin starred chef and restaurateur Vikas Khanna gets ready to take you on an adventure. The chef, in the third instalment of FOX Traveller’s Twist of Taste, would explore India’s vast coastline to hunt for the best curries and coastal dishes along the sandy beaches of Udvada, Ratnagiri, Goa, Mangalore, Udupi, Manipal, Kochi and Pondicherry, visiting places, meeting people and giving his signature touch to the local flavours. Aptly titled Twist of Taste: Coastal Curries will go on air from 20 Jaunuary, every Monday and Tuesday 9.30 pm.
During his trip, Vikas will meet home cooks, chefs, farmers, fishermen, bakers, merchants, restaurateurs and chocolatiers and watch them as they share with him their food, traditions and the story of their journeys.
FOX International Channels vice president, marketing Debarpita Banerjee says, “Food is a popular subject, a popular topic, and we plan to maximise the topic’s already wise reach with the new season of Twist of Taste, which itself is a flagship show for FOX Traveller. The audiences have loved the concept and we are excited to partner with Vikas Khanna in the third season of the show. ‘Twist of Taste: Coastal Curries’ reiterates our promise to bring more exciting and quality local content to the Indian audiences- that showcases travel and food in a whole new, sumptuous and exciting manner. Vikas is not just an excellent chef, but also a very aware and livewire traveller; he is a naturally instinctive cook, a ‘son of the soil’.”
The earlier two seasons of the show had the internationally renowned chef Vineet Bhatia as the host. However Banerjee says that this time around the chef’s time were not matching with the show’s schedule. Coincidentally, Vikas was more than happy to step in the shoes of Vineet.
“One of the main reasons he came on board was the fact that he wanted to explore the country he left years ago,” says Banerjee and continues, “and the various types of cuisines the country has to offer and we are confident that his energy and expertise will weave magic with taste buds.”
The chef, on his part exclaims, “I’m delighted to be a part of this exciting show. Through the show Twist of Taste, I have had a chance to explore India’s vast coastline and experiment with its cuisine. The people have been very warm in welcoming me into their kitchens and sharing their delicious recipes; I truly feel enriched with newer experiences!”
Given the raw nature of the program, the channel is aiming to tap 18+ audiences. Considering food is one of the easiest products to market, Banerjee says, “To market Twist of Taste, we have promoted heavily on various networks. From collaborating with Tata Sky’s Active Cooking to a digital social media spread out, we have tried to market it as much as a show which already has a good reach should be marketed.”
Inspired by all the delicious, timeless food and the riveting stories of people, Vikas visits the Twist of Taste kitchen to give it his own fascinating signature twist. From Caramelised Cucumber Cake to Shrimp Poha Biryani to Udupi Sambar Jar Cakes, Twist of Taste is bound to be a true culinary adventure.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
