The visit turned into a memorable and emotional occasion for the chef when Radhika tied a distinctive jalebi-shaped Rakhi on his wrist.
Vikas shared a video from the special day on Instagram, offering a look at the preparations he made to welcome the Ambani family. The chef personally cleaned the glass ceiling of Bungalow and used flower petals to create a special display featuring the name “Vantara,” Anant Ambani’s animal welfare initiative.
A special welcome at Bungalow
The Ambani family received a warm welcome from Vikas Khanna during their visit to the New York restaurant. The chef added floral decorations across the space and ensured that every detail reflected the significance of the occasion.
Sharing the video, Vikas also expressed his respect and admiration for Anant Ambani and his work through Vantara. He praised Anant’s compassion and his dedication towards the welfare and protection of animals, adding that hosting him and his family at Bungalow was deeply meaningful to him.
Radhika Merchant’s Rakhi brings an emotional moment
Amid the celebrations, Radhika Merchant tied a small Rakhi shaped like a jalebi around Vikas Khanna’s wrist. The gesture struck an emotional chord with the chef, who shared his feelings through a heartfelt Instagram post.
Vikas wrote that everyone knows how meaningful the name Radhika is to him. Speaking about the moment when she tied the Rakhi, he revealed that it created an unexpected emotional shift within him.
The chef said the simple thread made him feel as if a part of him had healed, adding that the memory was one he would hold close to his heart forever.
Vikas Khanna looks back on Rakhi memories
Vikas Khanna also reflected on how this Raksha Bandhan season had become particularly meaningful for him. He shared that many guests had tied Rakhis on his wrist, making the festival a time filled with memories and remembrance.
According to the chef, such moments bring back thoughts of the people we love, what they leave behind, and how their presence remains with us even after they are gone.
Thanking Radhika Merchant for her heartfelt gesture, Vikas said that some moments cannot be planned and certain blessings arrive just when they are needed. For him, the small jalebi-shaped Rakhi held immense emotional significance, making the Ambani family’s visit to Bungalow truly unforgettable.
