Jiggs Kalra, the man behind India’s most famous restaurants, leaves behind a gourmet legacy

• Jiggs Kalra has succumbed to a prolonged illness at 72 in Mumbai.
  
• He was also called the Czar of Indian cuisine.
  
• he is the man behind several restaurants like Punjab Grill, Farzi Cafe, Pa Pa Ya and more.
  

Jaspal Inder Singh Kalra, or Jiggs Kalra as he was commonly known, was a name that Indian restaurant owners revered, chefs watched out for, and food critics respected. Kalra, the man who was called the Czar of Indian cuisine, passed away in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Kalra succumbed to a prolonged illness at the age of 72. As the news of his death spread, tributes started pouring in all over social media. Vir Sanghvi, Kabir Bedi and other celebrities and restaurateurs shared anecdotes of the man, whose knowledge of the Indian cuisine left everyone awe-struck.

Kalra’s book called Prashad attained cult status and turned into a ‘Bible’ for budding chefs. The food columnist had authored 11 books on Indian cuisine. He also donned the chef’s hat and turned a restauranter to promote gourmet food with Punjab Grill, Farzi Cafe, Pa Pa Ya and more.

He is also the first Asian to be inducted in the International Food and Beverage Gourmet Hall of Fame. He represented India at various international food festivals and summits. He also served the British royals---Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, apart from former US President Bill Clinton.

His legacy will now be carried on by his son Zorawar Kalra.