For celebrity chef-turned-filmmaker Vikas Khanna, directing Shabana Azmi in his new film, "Imaginary Rain," is more than a career achievement; he calls it the "greatest highlight" of his life. The film is based on his 2023 novel of the same name.

Azmi stars as a MasterChef in Manhattan who returns to India after a personal tragedy to rediscover her roots. Prateik Patil also appears in the film. Khanna, who also wrote the film, explores themes of grief, family, and rediscovering one's passion through Indian cuisine. According to Khanna, "Imaginary Rain" is about a chef in New York and is the best work of his life. He feels very proud and privileged to have convinced Azmi to play the role.

Khanna is actively working to release "Imaginary Rain". He has been busy with his restaurant, Bungalow, but is making it his mission to find a home for the movie. Khanna promises that it will be a food movie unlike any other.

Khanna has also expressed his gratitude for hosting Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh at his Bungalow restaurant in New York. A video of Padukone making modak under Khanna's guidance went viral.

Vikas Khanna is also back as a judge on "MasterChef India 2026," which premiered on January 5 on Sony Entertainment Television and SonyLIV. Chefs Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapoor will also be judges. This season features a 'jodi' format where contestants compete in pairs as family members, spouses, friends, or inter-generational duos. There are 12 pairs from different parts of India.

Khanna finished shooting the last sequence for "Imaginary Rain" at his Dubai restaurant Kinara in February 2024 after six years of production. He thanked fans for their excitement for the film. Khanna is known for his films "The Last Color" (2019) and "Barefoot Empress" (2022). He has also been a judge on "MasterChef India" since the beginning. In 2024, he opened Bungalow restaurant in New York City's East Village.