Laughter Chefs 2's Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi remembers his father, his 'silent strength'

Time of India

19 hours ago

For celebrity Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi, celebrating days like Father's Day was not about grand gestures or social media tributes. It's about the quiet strength, the silent sacrifices, and the deeply personal memories that define the word 'father.
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Sharing his thoughts on the occasion of Father's Day, which is observed on June 15, he said, 'A father, or a father figure as we often say, is like the strong pillar of our life, our family, and our home. The bond between a father and his family is very emotional and deep. What touches me the most is how silently a father takes up all the responsibilities. He doesn't make a show of it, he just quietly supports everyone without expecting anything in return.
That's the beauty of a father. He gives his time, strength, and love selflessly, and asks for nothing back. That is what makes this day so important for me.'
This year, Chef Harpal doesn't have elaborate plans for Father's Day. He shared, 'I don't have any special plans for Father's Day this time. My daughters are studying abroad now, so they don't live with me. But whenever they are here, we always go out and spend time together.'
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However, his daughters don't forget to surprise him on these special days by sending him gifts. He added, 'Honestly, for me, even one small word from them is enough.
Just hearing them say, 'Papa, how are you?' that's more than enough for me. It fills my heart and gives me all the energy I need.'
Reflecting on his own father, Chef Harpal spoke about a time when occasions like
Father's Day
weren't celebrated. He said, 'Well, I lost my father many years ago.
Honestly, back then, days like Father's Day were not really celebrated. So, I don't remember doing anything special for him on such a day. But I do remember how things were when I was growing up. After I finished Class 12, many of my father's friends had children who had become engineers, doctors, and were well-settled. My father, at that time, didn't have much to say about us, as we were working hard in the food industry as cooks and chefs.
I know it must have been difficult for him. But when we moved ahead in life, when I came on television, when our work was covered in newspapers, that's when he finally felt proud. I could see it in his eyes.'
For Chef Harpal, those silent nods of approval were worth more than any trophy. He said, 'All I ever wanted was to make him happy. And when I started achieving things through my dedication to cooking and my work, it brought him joy.
Being featured in newspapers, on TV it all made a difference. That was my way of giving back to him. He had done so much for me, and now it was my turn to make him proud. Seeing him happy in those moments was the biggest reward for me.
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Among his most cherished memories are Sunday mutton curries and pickle-making sessions with his father. He shared, 'Every Sunday, he would cook mutton curry, and I used to go with him to the vegetable market.
We would buy all the vegetables together, and then head to the mutton shop to get the meat. My father would cook the mutton himself, and all of us would eagerly wait for Sunday just for his special mutton curry.' Diwali too brought special bonding.
'We used to make some of the firecrackers at home like anaars and phooljhadis. I would help my father fill the anaars, seal them with clay from behind, and then we would put them out in the sunlight to dry,' Chef Harpal added.
What stayed with him most, however, was a life lesson delivered with quiet honesty. He said, 'One of the most important lessons my father taught me was during my time at IHM… When I had just started working as a cook, my father once called me and said, 'Arpal, we don't really understand what you do, because no one in our family has ever worked in a hotel. In fact, we've never even dined in one because we couldn't afford it… You have chosen a path that we know nothing about.
So, your success will be your own, and your failures too will be your own.' That stayed with me. It made me realise that I had no option but to succeed. Failure was not a part of my plan.'
Asked about his favourite onscreen father figure, Chef Harpal offers a heartfelt response: 'I don't think anyone can ever replace the role of a father, even on screen. For me, a father is a father one and only. No one else can take that place. That's it.'
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