Renowned culinary maestro Imtiaz Qureshi, a recipient of the esteemed Padma Shri award, passed away on February 16 at the age of 93. Chef Qureshi, hailed for his illustrious career as the master chef at ITC Hotels, gained widespread acclaim for his remarkable contributions to gastronomy, particularly for his pioneering work in shaping the culinary identity of Bukhara.
Born into a family deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Lucknow in 1931, Chef Qureshi was celebrated for his instrumental role in reviving the ancient Dum Pukht cooking technique, which garnered him immense recognition in the culinary world.
Reflecting on his culinary journey in a 2015 interview with Financial Express, Chef Qureshi emphasized his philosophy towards cooking, stating, "There is no such thing as biryani. Every dish is a pulao." He further underscored the importance of integrity and diligence in his lifelong commitment to his craft.
Following news of his demise, an outpouring of tributes flooded social media platforms, with celebrity chefs like Kunal Kapur and Ranveer Brar expressing their heartfelt condolences. Kunal Kapur, in a poignant message, highlighted Chef Qureshi's indelible legacy and prayed for eternal peace for his departed soul. Ranveer Brar reminisced about the profound impact Chef Qureshi had on his culinary journey, recalling a transformative experience savoring his creations at Dum Pukht.
Even beyond the culinary world, singer Adnan Sami mourned the loss of Chef Qureshi, acknowledging his pioneering contributions to Awadhi Cuisine and his legendary status as a modern-day culinary luminary.
Imtiaz Qureshi's association with ITC Hotels spanned over four decades, commencing in 1979. His unparalleled culinary expertise earned him the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2016, a testament to his unparalleled contributions to the culinary arts and his enduring legacy as a trailblazer in the realm of gastronomy.
