Odisha’s Handloom Heritage Reaches Hollywood: Chef Vikas Khanna Gifts Demi Moore Sambalpuri Weave

Bhubaneswar: In a beautiful confluence of culture and cinema, renowned chef, author, and humanitarian Vikas Khanna recently presented Hollywood star Demi Moore with a Sambalpuri handloom, straight from the heart of Odisha.

Vikas Khanna, acclaimed for his Michelin-starred culinary expertise and humanitarian initiatives, has long been an ambassador for Indian culture and craftsmanship globally. Through his work, he bridges the worlds of food, art, and tradition, bringing stories of India to an international audience.

Demi Moore, one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses known for films like Ghost, G.I. Jane, and A Few Good Men, has consistently used her global platform to advocate for art, culture, and humanitarian causes.

Describing the gesture, Khanna called it “A gift from Odisha to the world”, emphasizing the centuries-old tradition woven into every thread. “Woven not just with threads, but with centuries of tradition, devotion, and artistry,” he said, “this fabric carries the soul of Odisha’s weavers, their rhythm, and their pride.”

Sambalpuri handlooms are celebrated for their intricate motifs, each narrating a story of Odisha’s rivers, temples, and rich cultural heritage. By gifting Moore this piece, Khanna aimed to share not just fabric but a tangible slice of India’s heart.

“Every motif tells a story… To gift her this heritage felt like offering a piece of India’s heart—timeless, graceful, and deeply human. Because when art travels, culture speaks,” Khanna added.

This exchange marks yet another moment where Indian craftsmanship receives global recognition, bridging cultures and reminding the world of the artistry embedded in the country’s traditional handlooms.