Chef Vikas Khanna gifts Mysore Sandal soap to Hollywood star Anne Hathaway at his New York bungalow restaurant

Vikas Khanna

Chef Vikas Khanna, renowned for his deep-rooted connection to Indian heritage, recently made headlines by gifting the iconic Mysore Sandalwood Soap to Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway. The heartfelt exchange took place at his celebrated New York restaurant, Bungalow, and was more than just a simple gift—it was a deeply emotional gesture, reflecting his personal memories and India’s rich cultural heritage.

Vikas Khanna’s decision to present Anne Hathaway with Mysore Sandalwood Soap, a handcrafted marble box from Agra, and the book Kiss in Kashmir was driven by a touching personal story. The celebrated chef revealed that his late sister, Radha, was a huge fan of Hathaway’s films, particularly The Devil Wears Prada and Sex and the City. During her battle with illness, watching these movies brought her immense joy and comfort. To honor her memory, Khanna wanted to share something meaningful with Hathaway—something that symbolized his roots and personal history.

Also Read: Court to decide Allu Arjun's bail plea in connection with fatal Pushpa 2 stampede

The Mysore Sandal Soap, often regarded as Karnataka’s pride, has a legacy of over a century, known for its unparalleled fragrance and purity. By gifting this soap, Khanna was not just offering a luxury product but a piece of India’s cultural heritage. The handcrafted marble box from Agra, another symbol of Indian artistry, and Kiss in Kashmir, a book that captures the essence of the picturesque valley, further added depth to his gesture.

The House of Mysore Sandal, which produces the legendary soap, acknowledged this exchange as a moment of great pride. In a statement, the brand highlighted how Mysore Sandalwood Soap continues to connect hearts worldwide through its authenticity, rich aroma, and deep-rooted history. The gesture, according to them, was not just a simple gift but a representation of Karnataka’s cultural significance on a global stage.

For Khanna, this event was more than just a formal presentation. In an emotional Instagram post, he shared how he once had to delete Anne Hathaway’s movies from his computer after his sister’s passing, as watching them became too painful. However, when Hathaway visited his restaurant, the memories of his sister came flooding back, turning the moment into one of joy and closure.
To commemorate the occasion, Khanna even edited a photo of his sister next to Hathaway, as if she were present in spirit. This heartfelt act demonstrated how food, culture, and cinema can be intertwined in the most unexpected ways, creating bridges between people and memories.

Vikas Khanna has always been an ambassador of Indian culture on the global stage. Whether through his Michelin-starred culinary creations, his humanitarian efforts, or his deep storytelling, he consistently finds ways to celebrate and share India’s traditions. By presenting Anne Hathaway with Mysore Sandalwood Soap and other Indian treasures, he not only paid tribute to his late sister but also introduced a piece of Karnataka’s heritage to a global audience.