For years, celebrated chef Sanjeev Kapoor has been approached with lucrative offers for a biopic, yet none managed to win him over. The reason: he wants only his friend and acclaimed filmmaker Hansal Mehta to helm the film.

Kapoor, widely credited with popularising Indian cuisine both in India and around the world through his iconic television shows, believes Mehta — the director of Kapoor’s hugely popular 1990s show ‘Khana Khazana’ — knows his journey inside out and is best placed to bring it to the big screen with authenticity, a PTI report from New Delhi stated yesterday.

“The talks of my biopic have been going on for many years now. But I have my preferred choice Hansal Mehta. Because he knows, it all (his journey) started with Mehta. If anyone can make it, it’s Hansal,” he said.

The celebrity chef said Mehta was uniquely placed to tell his story because the filmmaker not only loves food but also witnessed Kapoor’s rise from close quarters.

According to the PTI report, Kapoor said Mehta does not need to “extract” details about his life because he has seen his struggles firsthand.

He added that a biopic requires more than a passionate filmmaker; it also needs someone who understands food and the journey behind the success.

Kapoor also revealed that discussions are underway regarding the casting of the lead actor.

While he did not disclose any names, he said two actors are being considered for the role and recalled that one leading star had recently expressed excitement about portraying him on screen.