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Chef Vikas Khanna Dedicates Rs 8-Lakh Cook Book, Reportedly World's Most Expensive, To The Transgender Community

Chef Vikas Khanna Did Something Really Cool For The Transgender Community At Cannes
vikas khanna

Indian chef of Michelin fame, Vikas Khanna, has dedicated his latest cook book — that is reportedly the world's most expensive at Rs 8 lakh and weighs 15 kilos — to the transgender community.

The 43-year-old chef launched his book, titled Utsav, with actress Sonam Kapoor last Sunday at Cannes. The book will be auctioned at a starting price of Rs 8 lakh, according to an official statement from Khanna's office.

Actor Sonam Kapoor and Ambassador Mohan Kumar launch the book 'UTSAV' by Vikas Khanna on 17 May at India Pavillon pic.twitter.com/3i0tBhqgpS

— Indian Embassy Paris (@Indian_Embassy) May 18, 2015

The first 12 copies of the limited-edition book would be hand-delivered by Khanna to world leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, the Dalai Lama, the President of France François Hollande, Queen Elizabeth of England and American talk show queen Oprah Winfrey.

Khanna, who has penned 20 books before this, said a copy of the book will be would be auctioned for the SMILE foundation. Khanna has filled the 15-kilo book that comes in an ornate box with gold filing with over 12 years of memories and experiences of Indian festivals, ceremonies, traditions and culture in an attempt to capture and showcase India's rich and diverse heritage to the world.

Divided into four major segments, the book that features a 200-page index also includes several recipes that Khanna has come across or developed during his travels (including dishes for singing star Madonna and 'Mission Impossible' actor Tom Cruise).

A Big Big round of applause for the woman who wrote #UTSAV

This is for you Ma.

Hello New York! http://t.co/zdL0JX1Wg5

— Vikas Khanna (@TheVikasKhanna) May 21, 2015

Here are some photographs from 'Utsav':

Vikas Khanna
Setting the temple for evening prayer
Vikas Khanna
Panj pyare
Vikas Khanna
Munj threading ceremony
Vikas Khanna
Diwali celebrations
Vikas Khanna
Holy ceremony
Vikas Khanna
Flying kites
Vikas Khanna
Salt festival
Parsi
Vikas Khanna
Parsi festival Navroz
Vikas Khanna
Family welcoming
Vikas Khanna
Local tribe at Hornbill Festival in Nagaland
Vikas Khanna
Hornbill Festival at Nagaland

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This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.