India, April 16 -- Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna says being called a "curry boy" - once used as a slur - has now become a badge of honour after his inclusion in the TIME 100.

Calling it a "very big moment for India", Khanna said the recognition reflects not just his journey but the global rise of Indian cuisine.

"I have no words to fully express my gratitude for being named among TIME's Most Influential People of 2026.What a moment-for Indian cuisine, for our culture, for every story that began in a humble kitchen," he wrote in a post on Instagram.

He said the honour for "every voice that refused to be silenced", Khanna said the recognition reflects not just his journey but the global rise of Indian cuisine.

In an emotional post, he rec...