Kochhar’s Islam tweet sparks backlash
Social media users call for boycott of celebrity chef’s restaurants
Celebrity chef Atul Kochhar faces a social media backlash against a controversial post that saw several Twitter users accuse him of bigotry and Islamophobia.
The Michelin-starred chef, who operates Rang Mahal Indian restaurant in Dubai’s JW Marriott Marquis hotel, posted the message in response to actress Priyanka Chopra’s tweet in which she apologised for hurting sentiments over an episode of her TV show Quantico that depicted a terror attack by Hindu nationalists.
“It’s sad to see that you have not respected the sentiments of Hindus who have been terrorised by Islam over 2,000 years. Shame on you,” Kochhar wrote. His post sparked outrage and a call to boycott Kochhar’s restaurants.
“Given Islam has only existed for 1,400 years you may want to learn history. Last time I eat at one of your restaurants…,” commented Twitter user RH Dhalla.
The chef has since apologised for his tweet, calling it “a major error”. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai yesterday distanced itself from Kochhar’s tweet, saying “we would like to stress that we do not share the same views...”
Acall to boycott Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar’s restaurants is gathering momentum following a controversial tweet that saw social media users accuse him of bigotry and Islamophobia.
Kochhar is a well-known name in Dubai through his popular Rang Mahal Indian restaurant at the JW Marriott Marquis. The hotel has already distanced itself from the controversy, stating it did not share the same views as the celebrity chef.
“We are aware of the comments made by Chef Atul Kochhar. We would like to stress that we do not share the same views as stated in the remark, nor is it a representation of the culture of diversity and inclusion that we pride ourselves on at the hotel,” Bill Keffer, General Manager, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai said in an emailed statement to Gulf News tabloid!
Outrage on social media
Kochhar’s now deleted tweet saw the chef responding to actress Priyanka Chopra’s mea culpa over a Quantico episode that portrayed Hindu nationalists as terrorists.
“It’s sad to see that you have not respected the sentiments of Hindus who have been terrorised by Islam over 2000 years. Shame on you,” Kochhar wrote, before retracting it a day later and calling it a “major error made in the heat of the moment.”
However, the viral post immediately sparked outrage on social media.
“Dear @atulkochhar could you clarify the tweet you made. 2000 years of terrorising Hindus, can you give some concrete examples please? As you’ve offended many people,” posted Twitter user Hasan Patel.
Twitter user PPSham posted: “Don’t usually call out individuals on Twitter. However this tweet symbolises our misunderstandings of religion. In every religion you will have people that will utilise it for evil! Surely we should see beyond sweeping generalisations! #Freedom #Education @atulkochhar.”
Following Sunday’s tweet, Kochhar issued an apology for his factual ‘inaccuracies’ and denied he was ‘Islamophobic’.
“There is no justification for my tweet, a major error made in the heat of the moment on Sunday,” he posted, adding: “I fully recognise my inaccuracies that Islam was founded around 1,400 years ago and I sincerely apologise. I am not Islamophobic, I deeply regret my comments that have offended many.”
However, the apology has yet to appease many, who continued to call out the chef.
“I had a lot of respect for you and I now feel quite deflated by your comment. It’s particularly disappointing because you come across as a reasonable person most of the time,” wrote A’ish. “Your comments are also potentially damaging to the perception of Hindus — it’s important therefore to remember that the vast majority of Hindus do not hold hostile feelings towards Muslims. I hope people will realise this.”
“I have cancelled my wedding anniversary meal for next month at your restaurant,” posted Twitter user Ali_b86, adding: “You knew exactly what you meant as you tweeted that message. Disgusted.”
However, there are others who have accepted Kochhar’s apology, with Twitter user DubaiNameShame posting: “Thank you
There is no justification for my tweet, a major error made in the heat of the moment on Sunday. I fully recognise my inaccuracies that Islam was founded around 1,400 years ago and I sincerely apologise. I am not Islamophobic, I deeply regret my comments that have offended many.”
Atul Kochhar (above) | Prominent chef
@atulkochhar for the clarification, as someone who has met you I fully accept your apology and look forward to continue dining at your amazing #RangMahal #Dubai @JWDubaiMarquis life is too short, Respect and my regards to you and your family.”
Dr Bilal Hassam also tweeted: “Dear Atul, would love to help you engage with Muslims, deepen your understanding of the faith and why your comment caused such hurt. Plz get in touch if interested.”