Mumbai, Jan 11 (NationPress) Actor and celebrity chef Ranveer Brar, who was recently featured in ‘The Buckingham Murders’, embarked on a soulful journey to Rumi’s tomb in Turkey in the latest episode of ‘Kitchen Kahani’. He uncovered a captivating and lesser-known tale about Rumi and his devoted cook, Veli.
He shared an enlightening anecdote where Rumi would direct those aspiring to become ‘Dervishes’ to work in the kitchen for three days, as he believed that enduring the heat of the kitchen represented one’s capacity to withstand the “burning passion of divine love”.
Ranveer also recounted a remarkable story about a guest, who was unwell and urgently in need of food, arriving at Rumi's residence. With no firewood at hand, his cook Veli prepared the meal by fanning the flames with his feet. Upon discovering this, Rumi commended Veli, stating, “You will be the only chef to have your shrine”.
Ranveer expressed, “Food is not merely a means to nourish the body—it’s an act of love, endurance, and divine connection. Rumi and Veli’s story serves as a reminder that cooking can unite us, uplift our spirits, and extend blessings beyond the plate”.
Visiting Veli’s shrine offers a unique experience, where visitors receive salt as prasad. This salt, thought to carry the blessings of both Rumi and Veli, is believed to bring goodwill and harmony to households when used in cooking.
Last year, Ranveer faced a neck injury, temporarily hindering his ability to cook. However, he ingeniously kept the kitchen vibrant. In his cooking series, ‘Pakake Dikho’, Ranveer invited close friends and well-known chefs to take over his kitchen, but with a quirky twist.
During this cooking adventure, Ranveer was prohibited from uttering a single word. He had to convey all instructions through hand gestures and facial expressions.
The guest lineup featured culinary stars like Sanjyot Keer, Saransh Goila, and Kabita of Kabita’s Kitchen, along with comedian Akash Gupta, actor Gajraj Rao, singer Krishna Beuraa, and pastry chef Nehal Karkera.
