Forty years ago, Madhur Jaffrey revolutionized how people thought about Indian cuisine with her ground-breaking cookery program, “Madhur Jaffrey’s Indian Cookery.” Not only was it the first mainstream series about Indian food to be broadcast in the UK and presented by an Indian, but it was also so popular that it caused shortages of ingredients in supermarkets across the UK, US, and Europe. Jaffrey, an Indian actress, turned food writer, introduced viewers to the flavors and techniques of Indian cooking, making it possible for people to enjoy the cuisine in the comfort of their homes.
And for South Asian viewers, Jaffrey’s show was a source of pride and representation. They appreciated seeing themselves and their culture depicted on television positively and authentically, and the impact of Jaffrey’s show extended beyond just the food – it also introduced a sense of modernity and style through her use of traditional Indian clothing.