Madhur Jaffrey

At 90 years old, Madhur Jaffrey epitomizes the essence of a pioneering food writer. Born in 1933 in India, her journey to culinary acclaim began amidst a crossroads in her career. With a prestigious acting degree from London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Jaffrey ventured to America in pursuit of theatrical success. She won Best Actress award at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1965, she found herself constrained by the limited and often demeaning roles offered to Indian actresses at the time.

Facing the responsibilities of single motherhood after a divorce, Jaffrey seized an unexpected opportunity when Holiday magazine commissioned her to write about the food of her childhood in India. Desperate for income, she accepted the assignment, unknowingly embarking on a transformative path. The resulting article marked the genesis of her culinary journey, leading to the publication of her seminal work, "An Invitation to Indian Cooking," in 1973. This milestone cookbook not only heralded Jaffrey's emergence as a culinary luminary but also served as the cornerstone of her illustrious career.

Over the years, Jaffrey has authored more than 20 cookbooks, each contributing to her legacy as America's foremost ambassador of Indian cuisine. Her profound understanding and passion for Indian culinary traditions have earned her widespread acclaim and numerous accolades, including nine medals from the prestigious James Beard Foundation.