The Leela Palace Chennai has announced the 7th edition of Shefs at The Leela, in collaboration with Rupali Dean and Akanksha Dean of Dean With Us. This initiative recognizes and highlights the contributions of Indian women chefs who are shaping the future of gastronomy. The event reflects The Leela’s ongoing focus on diversity, inclusion, and advancing female talent in hospitality.
Building on the success of the 3rd edition previously hosted at the property, this year’s program brings together four women chefs: Sambhavi Joshi, known for her sustainable Italian-inspired cuisine; Sehaj Ghuman, recognized as India’s top pastry chef; Taiyaba Ali, who emphasizes the overlooked contributions of women to Awadhi cuisine; and Bunuma Patagiri, an expert in Asian cuisine and mentor at The Leela. Together, they will create a curated dining experience on 20 July 2025, combining global techniques with Indian traditions.
Ahead of the dinner, a panel discussion will take place on 19 July 2025, where the chefs will share their perspectives and experiences in an open, authentic dialogue. The dinner and the overall experience will be executed entirely by an all-women brigade, including the culinary and service teams at The Leela Palace Chennai.
“It is both a privilege and a responsibility to host a platform of this magnitude—one that not only showcases culinary innovation but also initiates a meaningful dialogue on gender inclusivity in luxury hospitality,” said Mr. Nishant Agarwal, Vice President and General Manager, The Leela Palace Chennai. “Shefs at The Leela resonates with our belief that excellence thrives in diversity, and this edition is particularly close to our hearts for the way it celebrates the silent grit, creativity, and brilliance of women shaping the future of our industry.”
The initiative, envisioned and curated by Rupali and Akanksha Dean, has already seen successful editions in Bengaluru, Gurugram, Chennai, and Jaipur. It was conceptualized under the guidance of Mr. Madhav Sehgal, SVP - Operations, South and Head of Sales, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, with the aim of giving more visibility to women chefs, a group often underrepresented in professional kitchens.
The multi-day event reinforces The Leela’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, supporting artistic excellence, and creating meaningful impact in the culinary and hospitality sectors.
Odisha will be participating as a partner state in the upcoming mega international food and beverage show 'Indus Food 2019' to be held at India Exposition Mart, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh on January 14 and 15.
Jointly organized by Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) and Department of Commerce, Indus Food meet 2019 is an initiative to promote India as a strong exporter of food and beverage products to the world.
The mega food international event will be hosting over 600 prominent global buyers in the Food & Beverage industry from more than 60 countries.
Prafulla Samal, Odisha’s MSME Minister, said, "The main aim of this event is to have these buyers on board to increase their presence apart from sourcing new products from India, meet suppliers and develop new business relations with Indian exhibitors. It would be a great opportunity for the agri-exporters of Odisha to showcase our products to the prominent buyers of the world."
LN Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, MSME, has stated that as a "partner state", Odisha will set up its own pavilion with 30 exhibitors showcasing various processed food items of Odisha such as spices, cashew, confectionery items, processed agro-food and others.
'Putting Smiles', a charity Golf Tournament aimed at saving little hearts and giving them a chance to live, was held on 15th December 2018 at Golden Greens Golf Club. Initiated by E3 Integrated, Aloft New Delhi Aerocity teamed up with Putting Smiles with the aim to continue spread joy amongst children. The event witnessed the gathering of achievers, influencers and decision-makers who came together for a common cause.
This year, Putting Smiles have joined hands with K.C Mahindra Education Trust; Project Nanhi Kali that is working relentlessly for the benefit of countless girl children by providing education to girls from economically disadvantaged families. Backing this initiative, Putting Smiles have come forward not only to recognize but to also provide a platform where all the decision makers of the society come together to contribute to the cause.
Suman Gahlot, General Manager, Aloft New Delhi Aerocity, said, "We are extremely proud to be associated with 'Putting Smiles' and look forward to putting smiles on the little ones with this initiative."
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