Vikas Khanna remembers meeting Lata Mangeshkar on Ganesh Chaturthi, writes, "We spoke on the phone often, she stood by me"

Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna recently shared a deeply personal memory about his bond with the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, recalling how a chance connection turned into a tradition that shaped his life. Vikas Khanna first came to know of Lata ji’s affection when she saw him on MasterChef India in 2011.

Mesmerized by his warmth, she reportedly said, “Mujhe inn se milna hai. Inn ki smile aur bolne ka andaaz bahut badiya hai.” For Vikas Khanna, being noticed by the iconic singer, revered as the ‘Nightingale of India,’ was nothing short of divine grace.

Their first meeting happened on Ganesh Chaturthi, a day that marked the beginning of a spiritual and emotional bond between the two. He wrote, "I still remember the first time I met Lata ji. She had seen me on MasterChef in 2011 and said, “Mujhe inn se milna hai. Inn ki smile aur bolne ka andaaz bahut badiya hai. And then, by divine grace, I met my Goddess on Ganesh Chaturthi. We spoke on the phone often, and during Feed India, she truly stood by me.
I had promised her that I would visit Prabhu Kunj every year during the pooja. And I did. except during the pandemic. I would fly to India just to touch her feet, pray, hear her voice, eat the best modaks… and then fly back.
This ritual went on for years, and it has deeply inspired me.
Now, as I prepare for the 10-day celebrations at Bungalow, with modaks inspired by the greatest culinary icons, flowers from India, and intricate decorations, I feel her presence with me.
It is as if she is visiting my temple.
Life is truly magical."

In his tribute, Vikas Khanna recalled a promise he had made to her—to visit her residence, Prabhu Kunj, every year during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

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