Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal & Kunal Vijayakar | Ep 3.5 | Behind The Comedy, Curry & Camera Time

What this episode covers

In this special episode of Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal, Gauri sits down with the ever-entertaining Kunal Vijayakar, a name synonymous with food and comedy. Kunal's versatile career spans advertising, television, theatre, and now, food blogging, making him one of the most relatable and influential voices in the Indian food scene. The conversation kicks off with a glimpse into Kunal’s childhood in South Bombay, where he grew up in a food-loving family. He nostalgically recalls how his grandmothers were exceptional cooks, and his family dined out often—a rarity in those days. Though he struggled academically, Kunal harbored dreams of becoming an architect or opening a catering business. Ultimately, his love for architecture, art, advertising, and food shaped his eclectic career. Kunal shares how he stumbled into TV when he was scouted for a commercial while working at an advertising agency. The ad went viral, launching his TV and acting career. Over the years, Kunal balanced his love for food and comedy, leading to his long-running shows The Foodie and The Week That Wasn’t. With The Foodie, he traveled across India, exploring the depth of regional cuisines. He shares stories of discovering the unknown flavors of Chettinad, uncovering new dishes from Orissa, and his memorable experiences in Kashmir, where he filmed near the LOC, discovering food traditions like the Maratha regiment’s Sabudana Khichdi and Puran Pudi. The transition from TV to digital media was inevitable, and Kunal embraced it with his YouTube show Khaane Mein Kya Hai, which started in 2022. He candidly talks about how YouTube brought him back into the spotlight as people rediscovered his old content. He shares the excitement and challenges of producing content for the internet, from learning to make shorts and reels to maintaining the authenticity of his videos. He gives a special shout-out to his young team, which continually pushes him to evolve and stay relevant in the ever-changing food landscape. The discussion moves toward food reviews, where Kunal emphasizes the need for honesty and humility. He explains how his audience trusts him for recommendations and comfort, but he also understands that reviews are subjective. The duo discusses the responsibility of food bloggers and the harm that can arise when influencers are dishonest or demanding. Kunal stresses the importance of feedback and meeting people who are as passionate about food as he is. Kunal’s love for food extends to his travels. He shares anecdotes about visiting places like Lucknow, where the local chaat blew him away, and Cherrapunji, where he discovered the best chicken he’s ever had. He’s a fussy eater when it comes to vegetables but loves grains and shellfish, and has learned to taste food without overindulging. In a more personal turn, Kunal opens up about his recent weight-loss journey with NeuroLeap, where food and eating habits are treated like an addiction. This experience has helped him shift his relationship with food, focusing on a healthier lifestyle while still enjoying the dishes he loves. The conversation wraps up with Kunal’s advice to restaurateurs. He emphasizes the importance of honesty, practicality, and filling a genuine need in the market. With years of experience tasting, reviewing, and celebrating food, Kunal’s insights are invaluable to anyone navigating the culinary world. Join Gauri and Kunal for this delightful, humorous, and insightful episode as they explore the intersection of food, media, and staying true to oneself in an ever-changing industry. Don’t miss it!

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