Exclusive - Laughter Chef's Harpal Singh Sokhi: Without my family, my birthday is not complete

Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi, who is currently part of Laughter Chefs, says that birthdays for him are generally about spending time with the ones he loves. However, this year is extra special for him!
“My birthday plans are generally very specific. I’m usually with my team in the morning at the office, and then I celebrate with my entire family. That’s how I like it. I want my family to be with me.And this year, fortunately, my daughter is also here with me, so we’re celebrating it together—and that’s what I love. My family is my priority,” he says.
He adds, “Without my family, my birthday is not complete. That’s something I don’t want to compromise on. At the very least, my wife and children should be around. Since my children live abroad, there have been a few years when they couldn’t be here—but my wife is always with me, and that makes a big difference.”
Talking about his ideal celebration, he says, “My ideal celebration is definitely with my family only. It's usually a dinner with the entire family or calling everyone, including extended family, over to the house. We all sit together and have a really good time. And yes, my wife makes a great meal for all of us at home—or sometimes I take them out to a nice restaurant, and we all party together.”
As for birthday rituals, he shares, “My birthday rituals are quite consistent. I start my day with my work and team at the office, and then it’s always a full family gathering. That’s how I like to celebrate. My family being around me is very important—and this year, I’m happy that my daughter is also here with us.”
However, he adds that even on special days such as his birthday, work is always given priority. “If it’s work, work takes priority and the birthday takes a secondary place. It has happened to me many times, but yes, such times do come—and it’s okay,” he says.
As for gifts, he says, “I think I treasure all kinds of gifts. I don’t judge them by value or whether they’re materialistic. For me, even a book makes a difference. I see gifts as a gesture of love and effort from someone who thought of me. That’s how I live my life. So even the simplest things hold value for me.”
He adds, “If I were to gift myself something non-materialistic, I’d say I’d want to go on a peaceful vacation with my family—my wife, my daughters. And if my extended family joins too, that makes a big difference. It creates a lot of beautiful memories for all of us. I think I’m going to do that very soon.”