Kochi: Emphasising the importance of personal branding in today’s competitive world, Kerala’s renowned culinary maestro Chef Pillai said that strong personal branding helps individuals stay relevant and memorable. He was speaking at “A Session on Food Stories & Personal Branding” held during the Summit of Future, hosted by Jain Deemed-to-be University, Kochi.
Sharing insights from his personal journey, Chef Pillai noted that success did not come easily. After spending nearly 15 years abroad, returning to Kerala meant starting afresh from the grassroots. “The first five years were extremely challenging. I had to relearn the land, the people, and their tastes. One cannot always expect immediate results. Growth takes time and patience,” he said.
Speaking at the session, Bigg Boss fame Adv. O’Neal Sabu, aka FC Boy Advocate highlighted the deep emotional connection people share with traditional dishes such as meen curry and rice, which evoke memories of home, warmth, and love. He emphasised that storytelling plays a crucial role in building a strong personal brand. Sharing his own experience, he said that his approach to speaking evolved naturally, driven by his genuine interest in the subjects he discusses. “I speak in my own way, without pretense, and over time it has become my identity. Today, people are beginning to recognise me because I chose a path that felt authentic to who I am,” he noted.
During the session, both speakers recalled the story behind the naming of Chef Pillai’s signature dish, Nirvana Fish Curry. The dish was named Nirvana by Advocate O’Neal after it was created by Chef Pillai. It gained widespread popularity when it was specially prepared for renowned cricketer Chris Gayle.
The dish received even greater recognition after Chef Pillai publicly shared its recipe, a move that contributed significantly to his success. Rather than guarding the recipe, he chose openness, which strengthened his personal brand and expanded his reach, noted the session moderator, Minhaj Muhammad.
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