Renowned chef Vikas Khanna recently experienced a poignant and emotional evening at his New York restaurant, Bungalow, when Hollywood star Anne Hathaway dined there. The acclaimed chef took to Instagram to share a touching tribute to his late sister, Radha, recounting how Hathaway’s work brought moments of joy to his sister during her health struggles.
Khanna’s heartfelt note recalled the times he and Radha, along with a close friend, would watch films like The Devil Wears Prada and Sex and the City on repeat while sitting by her hospital bed. “She absolutely loved Anne Hathaway and knew every single line from The Devil Wears Prada by heart,” Khanna wrote. “Reciting those dialogues brought her so much joy—her happiest moments during those times. Somehow, I learned them all by heart too. Watching her laugh was the best painkiller.”
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In the years following his sister’s passing, Khanna shared that he deleted those cherished movies from his computer, unable to revisit the memories they evoked. However, Anne Hathaway’s visit to Bungalow brought those moments rushing back. “When my beloved @anjula_acharia and @furhan_ahmad brought Anne to Bungalow, it all came flooding back. Every line, every laugh,” he wrote. “Somehow, I was so happy to feed her. Cooking and serving are the only ways I know how to express love and gratitude.”
Khanna expressed his gratitude to Hathaway for unknowingly bringing joy to his sister during her most challenging days. He ended his note with a touching gesture, sharing a photoshopped image of his sister Radha in the group photo taken with Hathaway, ensuring her presence was felt in the moment.
A Growing Culinary Haven
Bungalow, which opened its doors in March 2024, has rapidly become a magnet for celebrities, offering a unique and refined Indian culinary experience. Earlier this year, global superstar Priyanka Chopra and her husband, Nick Jonas, visited the restaurant. Priyanka praised the establishment for providing a “taste of home,” highlighting its ability to evoke nostalgia through its flavors and ambiance.
Khanna’s latest tribute reveals the deeply personal stories that often underpin his culinary endeavors. Known not only for his mastery in the kitchen but also for his philanthropy and storytelling, Khanna has consistently used his platform to honor his loved ones and share their legacy with the world.
An Emotional Evening of Reflection and Celebration
Anne Hathaway’s visit to Bungalow was more than just a celebrity sighting; it was a serendipitous moment that bridged the past and present for Khanna. “Thank you, Anne, for giving her those moments of happiness—when we’d laugh and say, ‘Everybody wants to be us,’” he wrote, referencing an iconic line from The Devil Wears Prada.
Through his tribute, Khanna reminded the world of the power of art, food, and shared memories in healing and celebrating loved ones. As Bungalow continues to shine as a culinary hotspot, it is also a space filled with stories, love, and an enduring legacy of the chef’s personal connections.
