Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, a household name synonymous with Indian culinary excellence, has a personal life as rich and heartwarming as his recipes. Beyond the fame of Khana Khazana and the Yellow Chilli restaurant empire lies a decades-long love story with his wife, Alyona Kapoor, that began with a simple, kind gesture on a train.
A Serendipitous Journey: The Train Ride That Started It All
The backdrop was India in the 1980s. A young Sanjeev Kapoor, then working at Delhi's ITDC Hotel, was on a train to Banaras with his colleague Vandana. Also on board was Vandana's sister, Alyona Sadhour. On that chilly winter journey, Sanjeev noticed Alyona bundled up against the cold. When she shivered, his instinct was to gently hold her hand to warm it. That unplanned, tender moment, devoid of any grand design, became the magical spark for a lifelong romance, as they would later recount.
Courting Across Continents: Letters, Flights, and Sky-High Bills
Their courtship was tested by distance when Sanjeev's chef career took him to New Zealand. In an era before the internet made the world a village, their connection thrived on handwritten love letters and expensive international calls. Sanjeev once revealed he spent half his salary on phone bills just to hear her voice. Alyona's dedication was equally profound. In a bold move of surprise, she booked her first-ever flight to meet him, coincidentally finding a seat right next to him on a journey to Singapore.
Their love culminated in marriage in October 1992, a beautiful union blending Punjabi and Russian heritage. The couple welcomed two daughters: Rachita, born on August 8, 1994, whom Sanjeev calls his "life-changing sunshine," and Kriti. While Sanjeev built his culinary brand, Alyona became the family's anchor, managing their home and raising their daughters with strong values, ensuring they stayed grounded despite the growing glamour.
The Secret Ingredients to Their Lasting Marriage
After more than three decades together, the Kapoors have kept their romance alive through thoughtful gestures and shared passions. For Alyona's 50th birthday, Sanjeev famously blindfolded her at a party and surprised her with a brand new car. However, their everyday secret is simpler and deliciously consistent: food. The couple frequently enjoys food dates, restaurant-hopping and always sharing a plate, feeding each other bites. "We still eat from one plate," they laugh. Sanjeev admits he can't stay a day away from her, while Alyona describes him as "very romantic." He credits her as the unwavering support behind his success.
Their story is not a fairy tale but a testament to steady love, mutual respect, and a partnership where one conquered professional kitchens while the other fortified their home. It's a narrative of a spark ignited on a train, fanned by perseverance across miles, and kept aflame for over 33 years through companionship, shared meals, and deep, abiding affection.
