Legendary Chef Imtiaz Qureshi Passed Away at 93
Renowned chef Imtiaz Qureshi, celebrated for his pioneering work in reviving the old-Lucknowi dum pukht style of cooking, passed away due to age-related ailments at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital early Friday morning, confirmed by his son Ishtiyaque Qureshi. The culinary maestro, who was 93, had been hospitalized for the past 14 days dealing with multiple health issues, including complications related to diabetes. His last moments were spent with family, engaging in video calls with his grandchildren before his condition worsened around 4 am, leading to his demise despite the doctors’ efforts.
Imtiaz Qureshi’s illustrious career spanned over five decades, during which he served various dignitaries including Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi in the 1960s and was instrumental in establishing iconic eateries such as Dum Pukht and Bukhara at ITC Maurya. His contributions to Indian cuisine earned him the prestigious Padma Shri in 2016, making him the first chef to receive this honor. Qureshi leaves behind a legacy through his five sons, two daughters, and a revolution in the culinary world, particularly in North Indian cuisine.
Tributes flooded social media from chefs, food critics, and celebrities alike, each recounting their personal experiences and the impact of Qureshi’s work on their lives and the culinary scene. From chef Kunal Kapur expressing his sorrow and admiration to Ranveer Brar and Vir Sanghvi crediting Qureshi for his transformative influence on North Indian dining, the community mourns the loss of a culinary legend. Singer Adnan Sami also paid his respects, highlighting Qureshi’s role as the modern father of Awadhi cuisine. The culinary world has indeed lost a gem, but Imtiaz Qureshi’s legacy and contributions to Indian cuisine will continue to inspire future generations.
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