Christmas Special : Meet Kunal Vijaykar - The Man Who Ate His Way Into Our Hearts
Dec 23, 2024
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Join Kunal Vijaykar, the charismatic Indian television host and food enthusiast, as he shares his flavorful journey through the culinary world. From the vibrant street food of Bombay to the art of creating engaging food content, Kunal dives into the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine. He discusses the evolution of food media and the challenges of content creation, blending humor with delicious anecdotes. Get ready for a festive chat sprinkled with insights, laughter, and a celebration of all things food!
Kunal Vijaykar reflects on his transition from a lucrative advertising career to exploring his passion for performing arts and food.
He attributes his culinary journey to family influences and a serendipitous start in food writing that led to television projects.
Kunal emphasizes the evolution of food content creation in the digital age, highlighting authenticity and engagement in social media platforms.
Deep dives
Kunal Vijaykar's Journey in Advertising
Kunal Vijaykar reflects on his early career in advertising, highlighting the creative and somewhat chaotic environment of the industry in that era. He describes how the industry was not only lucrative but also a hub for artistic minds, reminiscent of the culture depicted in shows like 'Mad Men.' Kunal recalls the unique experiences of being in an office where smoking and drinking were commonplace, which contributed to the creative chaos during brainstorming sessions. This backdrop was instrumental in shaping his later pursuits in theater and Bollywood, where he began to explore acting roles that diverged from the traditional advertising path.
Transitioning to Theater and Bollywood
Kunal discusses his transition from advertising to performing arts, emphasizing the connections he made with theater professionals while navigating his way into acting. He notes that many advertising colleagues were involved in theater, creating opportunities for collaboration. His debut in a TV commercial served as a pivotal moment, leading to numerous acting opportunities that eventually outpaced his advertising income. Kunal stresses the importance of passion over conventional career paths, choosing projects based on personal resonance rather than mainstream fame.
Kunal's Culinary Passion and Food Journey
Food has always been a prominent theme in Kunal's life, stemming from a family background that emphasized culinary exploration and home cooking. He fondly remembers the influence of his grandmothers' cooking, which sparked his lifelong interest in food and local dining experiences around Mumbai. Initially pursued as a casual interest, his foray into food writing began unexpectedly when he transitioned to a food column in Bombay Times, marking the start of a more professional engagement with culinary topics. This experience was a stepping stone to his eventual television projects centered on food.
The Evolution of Food Content Creation
Kunal shares insights into the changing landscape of food content creation, acknowledging the significant growth of food opinions and discussions fueled by social media. He describes his journey into YouTube, which was initially hesitant due to traditional broadcasting norms but evolved into an exciting new platform for culinary creativity. Kunal's YouTube channel has quickly gained a substantial following, leveraging his established brand from earlier television work. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and accessible content, encouraging new creators to carve their niche in the saturated digital space.
Kunal's Perspective on Mumbai's Culinary Scene
Discussing his favorite food spots in Mumbai, Kunal highlights the city's rich culinary diversity and the blend of traditional and contemporary influences. He praises the vibrant street food culture, suggesting iconic snacks such as vada pav and various regional specialties that define Mumbai's food identity. Kunal points out that the local dining scene ranges from high-end restaurants to beloved hole-in-the-wall establishments, which cater to all preferences. With a focus on affordability and authenticity, he shares recommendations that resonate with locals and visitors alike who seek genuine culinary experiences.
This Christmas, Anupam Gupta is joined by India’s favorite foodie, Kunal Vijaykar! The iconic host of The Foodie, writer of Made in India, and creator of Khaane Mein Kya Hai shares his journey through food, culture, and the economics of eating out.
From hosting 500+ episodes to being a satirist with The Week That Wasn’t, Kunal’s story is as rich as his recipes. Don’t miss this festive chat filled with laughter, insights, and delicious stories!
Get in touch with our host Anupam Gupta on social media:
You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts website at https://www.ivmpodcasts.com/ You can watch the full video episodes of PaisaVaisapodcast on the YouTube channel.
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