Why chef Sanjeev Kapoor was denied to wear chef coat for Padma Shri Award by Rashtrapati Bhavan

When it comes to a chef's life, his/her chef coat and chef cap are not just a uniform, they are a part of their identity. The traditional white coat and cap not only make them stand out from the crowd but also reflect the hard work, endless working nights and passion that went into earning it. And when that coat helps you win a National Award from the President of India, the respect for that coat immediately increases. But what if you are denied wearing it for the prestigious evening and asked to wear something that defines Indian roots and tradition? It certainly hurts. That is what happened to celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, when he was denied wearing his pristine white chef coat after winning the Padma Shri Award in 2017. Scroll down to read the details.According to a reel shared by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor on Instagram, his win for the prestigious Padma Shri in 2017 came with mixed feelings. In the post, he mentioned that as per the dress code guidelines for the gala evening, he was not allowed to wear his chef coat, and was instead asked to wear something more Indian. To that, he objected and was ready to let go of the award. He said, "If you don't want to give me the Padma Shri Award, then don't give it."Sharing his story in a series of videos called Kahaani Khazana, where he shared stories from his life that have never happened before he mentioned that throughout all the years he worked in the hotel as a chef, he used to wear a full uniform to work every day. With the change in time and shift to television cooking shows, the chef's cap disappeared first because it didn't look good on camera. Later, to give chefs a more casual look on camera, chef coat was replaced with bright shirts. While he accepted those changes in his life as a chef, he always believed that the chef's uniform carries pride. And maybe that's why chefs have come this far and that pride needs to be preserved by the chef community. For the unversed, Sanjeev Kapoor is also a role model for millions as he inspired many people to cook with his show Khana Khazana, one of the longest-running cooking shows of Asia, which also played a huge role in his global recognition.What happened during Padma Shri AwardsHe later mentioned in the video that when it was time for the Padma Shri gala evening at the prestigious and magnificent Rashtrapati Bhavan, "I was told that there is no such precedence. You will have to come in a national dress. I said, this is my profession, so please allow me.""I was refused. I said, I will come in a chef's uniform. If you don't want to give me the Padma Shri Award, then don't giveit." The historic eveningChef Sanjeev Kapoor has been a living example of determination and dedication who has seen many shades and trends of the food world. On April 13, 2017, when he reached the premises of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the wave of change was being written and for the first time an individual received the award without following the dress code for the evening. He mentioned in the video, "I reached the President's building. Without any argument, without any problem, I got the Padma Shri. And in this uniform."Why did he choose to wear the coat?Renowned chef Sanjeev emphasizes that the chef coat should be regarded not merely as a standard uniform but as a significant emblem of one's pride in their identity and in the culinary art they passionately represent. In a key moment during the conclusion of his video, he expressed, "I believe that the prestigious Padma Shri award is not solely a recognition of my individual efforts, but rather a tribute to the entire chef community as a whole." He further elaborated on the significance of the chef coat, describing it as a vital reminder that encourages chefs to remain grounded while promoting a sense of calmness, akin to the tranquil hues of white, which effectively enhance and brighten the other colors they work with by staying gracefully in the background. For the unversed, chef Sanjeev's journey from a professional chef to a global food ambassador is a living instance of passion, innovation, and a commitment to preserving Indian culinary heritage. Also, beyond television, he has authored numerous cookbooks, launched successful restaurant ventures, and has inspired a new generation of chefs. As an entrepreneur, he has built a strong portfolio of restaurant brands, including Yellow Chilli, which focuses on reinventing Indian classics, and Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor, offering a more premium dining experience. His ventures span across India and international markets, making Indian cuisine accessible worldwide.Arrival of chef coat in IndiaAccording to historians, the concept of a chef’s uniform arrived during the colonial period, when European clubs, railways, and hotels introduced Western-style kitchens. Before this, Indian cooking traditions did not emphasise uniforms. Chefs, or khansamas and maharajs, typically cooked in simple cotton garments suited to the heat, often without a standardised dress code. The focus was more on skill and tradition than presentation. And the reason why chef coats came into existence is that they help protect them from heat and steam, hot oil splashes, and minor burns and that is the reason they are made from thick cotton fabric. When we talk about the history of chef coats, the choice of white was deliberate and symbolic. In an era when cleanliness was becoming increasingly important in food preparation, white clothing made it easier to spot dirt and stains. This pushed chefs to maintain higher hygiene standards. The color also reflected heat, helping chefs stay slightly cooler in hot kitchens. With the change in time, Indian chefs began to customize their own coats, and while the classic white double-breasted jacket remains dominant, modern kitchens now experiment with black coats, coloured piping, and personalised embroidery as well. And did you know that the overlapping front of chef coats isn’t just for style, it allows chefs to flip the coat and hide stains during a busy service, maintaining a neat appearance. Also, chef coats are often paired with tall hats (toques), where historically height indicated rank in the kitchen hierarchy. The small pocket on the sleeve are designed to hold thermometers, tasting spoons, and pens. And did you know chef coats are typically folded left over right, a style historically associated with professional uniforms in Europe—signifying discipline and hierarchy. And when we talk about Indian chef coats, the full-sleeve design protects chefs from burns, splashes, and oil spills—common in Indian cooking involving deep frying and tadka. Also, the use of white as the colour symbolises hygiene and discipline. Like in global culinary culture, white chef coats in India represent cleanliness, authority, and professionalism in the kitchen. And another interesting fact about chef coat is that it uses knotted cloth buttons instead of plastic or metal; these can withstand frequent washing, high heat, and won’t melt or break easily. The loose fit of the coat is intentional, allowing air circulation and ease of movement during long hours in hot kitchens. The coat, along with elements like aprons and caps, often indicates a chef’s position or seniority in the kitchen hierarchy. According to experts, modern Indian chefs often wear black, grey, or customized coats for branding and style, especially in open kitchens and fine-dining restaurants.