For most chefs, a career is measured in menus, restaurants, and accolades. For Chef Himanshu Pandey, it is measured in memories, miles, and moments that shaped him—from the quiet rhythm of his village kitchen in Uttarakhand to the bustling, high-pressure dining scene of the United States.

Now, in his debut book, The Heat & The Hustle — A Chef’s Path from India to the USA, he opens the doors to that journey, inviting readers into a world where ambition meets authenticity, and tradition meets reinvention.

A Story Served with Sincerity

This autobiography book is more than a professional biography. It’s a candid, heartfelt account of what it takes to transform childhood dreams into an international career. Chef Himanshu writes of the early lessons learned beside his mother’s hearth, the discipline of working in Indian and Middle Eastern kitchens, and the cultural adjustments of cooking for an American audience—all without losing the soul of the food he grew up with.

Every page carries his belief that food is not just nourishment—it is identity, heritage, and a bridge between worlds.

Where Recipes Become Remembrance

While the book is peppered with recipes, they aren’t simply culinary instructions—they are living stories. Each dish reflects a chapter of his life, whether it’s Bajre Ki Raab recalling winter in the hills, or Black Jalebi with Gulab Ki Kheer showcasing how Indian tradition can find elegance on a global fine-dining plate.

“Flavours can travel, but they carry their roots with them,” he writes—a sentiment that runs like a steady flame throughout the book.

For Chefs, Dreamers, and Doers

The Heat & The Hustle resonates far beyond the hospitality industry. It is a story for:

• Chefs, who will find lessons in leadership, creativity, and perseverance.
• Immigrants, who will recognise the challenges and triumphs of starting anew.
• Food lovers, who crave the stories behind the flavours.
• Dreamers, who need proof that passion and persistence can take them anywhere.

Chef Himanshu’s writing style mirrors his cooking—uncomplicated, generous, and deeply personal.

A New Chapter for an Accomplished Chef

Currently the Executive Chef at The Imperia by Dhaba in New Jersey, Chef Himanshu has spent over 17 years building a career across India, the Middle East, and the USA. His work has earned him multiple honours, but this book marks a new kind of achievement—a way to inspire others not through a plated dish, but through the written word.

The Heat & The Hustle is more than an autobiography—it is a reminder that behind every chef’s jacket is a story worth telling

Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport has appointed Anuraag Raha as its new General Manager, marking a homecoming for the seasoned hotelier. With over 24 years of experience across leading brands like IHG, Hyatt, Taj, and Pride Group, Anuraag brings a strong mix of operational expertise, revenue management, and team leadership.

Anuraag has helmed multiple pre-opening and operational roles, delivering top-line growth and enhancing guest experiences in city-centre, heritage, and resort properties. His contributions have earned accolades such as “Pune’s Best General Manager” and the “Exemplary Leader Award”.

Reflecting on his appointment, Anuraag shares, “Returning to Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport as General Manager is both a proud and emotional milestone. I was part of the pre-opening team here as Rooms Division Manager, and to now helm the same hotel feels deeply rewarding. I’m excited to work alongside a committed team to craft meaningful guest experiences and take the hotel to its next chapter of growth”.

Anuraag’s leadership is expected to reinforce Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport’s service culture while driving operational excellence, making it a preferred choice for travellers and business guests alike.

 Jungle Camps India Limited (JCI), a leader in eco-conscious wildlife hospitality, has announced the appointment of Chinmay Deshpande as the new Lodge Manager at its flagship Kanha Jungle Camp in Madhya Pradesh.

With more than 10 years of frontline experience in India’s top wildlife destinations, Deshpande’s career began as a naturalist at Jungle Home Resort in Pench Tiger Reserve (2010–2012). He later joined Pugdundee Safaris, serving as head naturalist across seven national parks in India and Nepal, including Chitwan National Park.

A respected figure in conservation and eco-tourism, Deshpande has:

• Led walking safaris in Satpura for five years.

• Managed cycling tours through the Pench–Kanha corridor in partnership with TOFTigers.

• Conducted village-based conservation awareness programmes around protected areas.

• Developed expertise in reptiles and forest ecology.

His global exposure includes completing the iconic Great Walk in Kenya’s Tsavo National Park. Most recently, as Lodge Manager at Bori Safari Lodge, he combined operational excellence with deep wildlife insight, skills he now brings to Kanha Jungle Camp.

“Chinmay’s strong foundation in natural history and hospitality sets a high benchmark for immersive guest experiences”, said Mr. Gajendra Singh Rathore, Managing Director, Jungle Camps India. “His leadership will contribute significantly to the evolving identity of Kanha Jungle Camp.”

Fluent in English, Hindi, and Marathi, and a graduate in Computer Applications from Nagpur University, Deshpande will oversee daily operations, guest services, and conservation-led programming at Kanha Jungle Camp.

About Jungle Camps India

 Jungle Camps India operates eco-sensitive lodges in Central India’s most renowned tiger reserves. Known for expert-guided safaris, sustainable operations, and community engagement, JCI offers travellers authentic wildlife experiences with modern comfort.