'Padma Shri' chef Sanjeev Kapoor bats for health and hygiene

Famous chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who was conferred with the highest civilian award 'Padma Shri' on Thursday, said the time has come to convert 'talks of health' into action.

Speaking to ANI after receiving the award from President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhawan, the popular chef said people are and should be responsible for their health.

"It is good that along with food people talk about health. But, time has come to convert the talk into action."

The chef also urged food sellers, foodies and common people to maintain hygiene not only in their homes, but also on roads, streets and everywhere.

"Home is ours, streets are ours, roads are ours, and this country is also ours. So, it is everybody's responsibility to keep our homes, streets, roads and country clean and hygienic," said Kapoor.

When asked how he was feeling after receiving the award, the chef said, "When my daughter was born, I was very happy and couldn't express my feelings in words. Today, my condition is same."

He added when his name was announced on January 25 for the Padma Shri Award, then he was happy, but "till you receive the award, you don't understand its worth".

"When you are awarded by the country for your contribution to the society then you feel very proud," Kapoor said.