Dubai, June 12 : An Indian-origin man who is the head chef of a popular Indian restaurant here is facing criticism for his "anti-Islam tweet".
Michelin-star chef Atul Kochhar of the Rang Mahal restaurant at the JW Marriot Marquis hotel received flak after taking a dig at actress Priyanka Chopra for her tweet over a "Quantico" episode that portrayed Hindu nationalists as terrorists, the Khaleej Times reported on Tuesday.
"It's sad to see that you have not respected the sentiments of Hindus who have been terrorised by Islam over 2,000 years. Shame on You (sic)," Kochhar tweeted on Sunday.
He later deleted the tweet and put out an apology, saying the "major error" was "made in the heat of the moment on Sunday".
"There is no justification for my tweet ... I fully recognise my inaccuracies that Islam was founded around 1,400 years ago and I sincerely apologise. I am not Islamophobic, I deeply regret my comments that have offended many," he wrote.
JW Marriot hotel distanced itself from the chef's comments.
"We are aware of the comments made by Chef Atul Kochhar. We would like to stress that we do not share the same views as stated in the remark, nor is it a representation of the culture of diversity and inclusion that we pride ourselves on at the hotel," the hotel tweeted on Monday.
The anti-Islam tweet created a furore on the social media, with twitterati calling for firing the chef.
Responding to the hotel's tweet, a Twitter user, Irena Akbar, said: "But now that there is a clear clash of values (your tolerance vs his bigotry), how can you carry on such a relationship? His contract should be snapped."
Popular commentator and Arab journalist Khaled Almaeena tweeted: "You (Kochhar) have offended me... As a person who loves India its people no matter what their caste or creed. As a secular and liberal, it truly is a horror statement."
Some residents have said that they would boycott the restaurant.
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The Abu Dhabi Sahebaan Community, a prominent social group representing the Urdu-speaking Muslim community from the twin districts of DK and Udupi, hosted a grand Iftaar get-together at the India Social and Cultural Centre (ISC), Abu Dhabi, for community members and their families on Saturday, March 23, 2024.
After an initial round of networking, the event commenced with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by Master Anas Ahmed, followed by a religious talk by visiting Moulana Janab Sayeed Zainul Abideen Thangal.
The gathering was welcomed by Althaf M.S., who also spoke about the rich legacy of Sahebaan Abu Dhabi Iftaars. These events provide a platform for Sahebaan Community members and their families to not only partake in Iftar but also to connect and enjoy the camaraderie with fellow community members.
Prominent personalities from the Beary community, along with BWF members Mr. Abdulla Madumoole, Abdul Majeed, Mohammed Kallapu, and other Excom members, were present.
The event was well attended, with distinguished Sahebaan guests from other emirates and India as well, including Janab Nasir Syed, M I Jameel (Retd Superintendent of Police, Karnataka) and others.
Sahebaan community well-wishers, namely Janab Abu Mohammed, Adil Shamshuddin, Abdul Rahim Dawood, Rizwan Aziz, Akram Mohd, Irfan Abdul Rahim Sheikh, Yunus Sheik, K. Mohd Ansar, Adil Hussain, Amjad Khalife, Mohd Asif, Arshad Ahmed, Ajmal Mohd, CA Hanif Mohd, Rahiman Baig, Rafique Ahmed, Sajid Ansar, CA Samiulla Mohd, Ajmal Jamal, Mohsin Shaikh, Tabrez Vanti, Ansar Byndoor, and Althaf M S, supported the program.
Team Sahebaan, along with volunteers Akbar Ali, Imdadulla, Rihyaz, supported by an energetic young Sahebaan Volunteers team, ensured the success of the program.
The program was compered by Mohd Ajmal Jamal, with IT support provided by Faizan Khateeb and guest welcoming done by Mohd. Jabir.
Team Sahebaan Abu Dhabi thanked all the members of Sahebaan Abu Dhabi for attending the event and for their wholehearted support.