Filmmaker Hansal Mehta is set to revisit his culinary roots with a modern twist through his upcoming series Khana Dil Se – An AI Journey Through India’s Kitchen. Announced in Mumbai on March 24, 2026, the project marks a collaboration between Collective Studios and True Story Films.
The series signals a full-circle moment for Mehta. In the early 1990s, he created Khana Khazana, a pioneering television show that transformed food programming in India and made Sanjeev Kapoor a household name. Now, more than three decades later, Mehta returns to the genre with a fresh perspective, bringing artificial intelligence into the storytelling process.
Khana Dil Se is not just a cooking show. Instead, it explores India’s diverse culinary heritage through stories of memory, migration, and identity. The series aims to uncover how recipes evolve across generations and regions, offering a deeper understanding of the cultural roots behind everyday dishes.
In a social media post, Mehta described the show as a journey into Indian homes, where recipes carry emotions, traditions, and lived experiences. He emphasised that food is more than a set of instructions; it is a reflection of history and human connection. This vision is brought to life with the help of AI, which acts as a creative partner rather than a replacement for human storytelling.
Joining the project is Shamsher Ahmed, a Master Chef and culinary expert known for his deep knowledge of Indian regional cuisines. His role as a consultant ensures that the series remains authentic while exploring the vast and varied food traditions of the country.
The use of artificial intelligence sets Khana Dil Se apart. AI is employed to trace culinary lineages, identify regional influences, and map how dishes have travelled and transformed over time. This approach allows the series to document lesser-known food traditions that have often been overlooked.
Producer Sahil Saigal highlighted that the project seeks to redefine food television by integrating technology without losing the human element. Similarly, Vijay Subramaniam, Founder and Group CEO of Collective Artists Network, noted that the series aims to bring untold culinary stories to a wider audience.
Produced by True Story Films in collaboration with Collective Artists Network’s Collective Studios, Khana Dil Se promises to offer a unique blend of food, culture, and technology. As India’s rich culinary heritage meets artificial intelligence, the series could redefine how stories from the kitchen are told in the digital age.
