2023 Academy Award Winner Guneet Monga Kapoor alongside Indian American Chef and Filmmaker Vikas Khanna to Produce the Oscar Qualified Animated Short American Sikh

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By Sulena Majumdar Arora
2023 Academy Award Winner Guneet Monga Kapoor (1)
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Ryan Westra and Vishavjit Singh teamed up on American Sikh with 2023 Academy Award winner Guneet Monga Kapoor (Elephant Whisperer) and popular chef Vikas Khanna serving as Executive producers for this important film.

The true and unlikely story of an American-born, turban-wearing Sikh man, Vishavjit Singh, who after a lifetime of facing prejudice, self-doubt and violence, finally finds acceptance in a superhero costume.

Guneet Monga Kapoor is not only the first producer in India to win an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short for Elephant Whisperer, she is also one of the first producers from India to be invited into the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science. Vikas Khanna is an internationally acclaimed Indian American chef, filmmaker, and author. American Sikh was created in partnership with Singh as the director/producer and Los Angeles-based director Ryan Westra.

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Director/Producer Vishavjit Singh is a New York City based illustrator, writer, performance artist, diversity speaker and creator of Sikhtoons.com. For the past few years Vishavjit has been traveling across the U.S. with his Sikh Captain America persona with a turban, beard and humor to tackle fear, anxiety, bigotry and intolerance. He uses storytelling as a tool to create a space for challenging conversations around identity, race, bias, vulnerability and how to be agents for change.

In just over a month it won four top film awards including Best Short Animation at Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham, Alabama, Best Animation at San Diego International Film Festival, Grand Jury Award for Best Short Documentary at Tasveer Film Festival in Seattle and the Audience Choice Award at Tasveer Film Festival.
AMERICAN SIKH has qualified to be considered for a 2024 Academy Award.

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Now Let us know about VIKAS KHANNA,
Vikas Khanna is an Indian-American chef, restaurateur, cookbook writer, filmmaker, and humanitarian. He is based in New York City, but his culinary journey has taken him all over the world. Khanna is known for his innovative and creative approach to Indian cuisine, which blends traditional flavors with modern techniques. He is also a passionate advocate for social justice and has used his platform to raise awareness of important issues such as hunger and poverty.

Khanna was born in Amritsar, India, and grew up in a family of foodies. He began cooking at a young age and quickly developed a passion for the culinary arts. After completing his culinary education in India, Khanna moved to New York City to pursue his dream of becoming a professional chef.

Khanna's culinary career has been nothing short of meteoric. He has worked in some of the world's most prestigious kitchens, including Le Bernardin and Tabla. In 2009, he opened his own restaurant, Junoon, in New York City. Junoon was awarded a Michelin star in 2011, making it the first Indian restaurant in the United States to receive this prestigious honor.

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Khanna is also a prolific cookbook writer. He has authored over 30 cookbooks, including "The Spice Route of India," "New Flavors from India," and "Vikas Khanna's Kitchen." His cookbooks have won numerous awards and have been translated into multiple languages.

In addition to his culinary career, Khanna is also a successful filmmaker. He has directed and produced several documentaries, including "The Last Color" and "Holy Kitchens." His films have been screened at film festivals around the world and have won numerous awards.

Khanna is also a passionate humanitarian. He is the founder of the Vikas Khanna Foundation, a non-profit organization that works to provide food and education to the underprivileged. In 2016, Khanna was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors, for his humanitarian work.

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Vikas Khanna is a true culinary maestro. He is a master of Indian cuisine and a pioneer in the field of molecular gastronomy. He is also a passionate humanitarian who is using his platform to make a difference in the world.

Vikas Khanna is a culinary artist, a culinary poet, and a culinary alchemist. He transforms the humble ingredients of Indian cuisine into masterpieces of flavor and texture. His dishes are not just delicious, they are also visually stunning.

Khanna's cooking is a reflection of his own unique personality. He is a creative and innovative chef who is not afraid to experiment. He is also a deeply spiritual person, and his food is imbued with a sense of reverence and respect for the natural world.

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Khanna is more than just a chef. He is also a storyteller. His cookbooks and films are not just recipes and instructions. They are also love letters to India and its culinary heritage. Khanna is a passionate advocate for Indian culture, and he uses his platform to promote it to the world.

Vikas Khanna is a true culinary ambassador for India. He is a master of Indian cuisine, a passionate humanitarian, and a gifted storyteller. He is an inspiration to us all.

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