LINCOLN PARK — Anupy Singla is seeking to take away the fear and confusion that most Americans face while cooking Indian cuisine.
Her goal is to launch a new cooking show in a similar style of Rick Bayless' "Mexico — One Plate At A Time" that would transport viewers to India to learn the background behind traditional dishes as well as show viewers how to make them back home.
Singla, who was born in India and raised near Philadelphia, is an award-winning broadcast journalist who has since sold two best-selling Indian cookbooks.
Anupy Singla says it's hard asking for money, but that the show will help connect people to a whole new world of cooking:
Her idea for a television show has been in the works for four years, and now Singla is looking to her fans to help fund a Kickstarter campaign to support filming a pilot episode.
"My idea for the show is a lot of interviewing and getting to the crux of what is it that is holding Americans back from loving and embracing Indian food," she said.
Singla, a Lincoln Park mother of two, said her background as a reporter would bring a unique aspect to the show, allowing her to really examine the depths of the food and culture.
"I want to get on the ground in India and talk to the folks that have all the skills in the world," she said. "The true reporter in me wants to give voice to all these different aspects."
The show would likely be called "Indian As Apple Pie."
A public television station has shown interest in the program, and would likely broadcast it nationally.
The production team behind the project, Mint Media Works, has been nominated for an Emmy for producing Bayless' cooking show.
Singla hopes that the show can do to Indian cuisine what Bayless did for authentic Mexican cuisine: make it approachable.
"He's a pro at what he does," Singla said. "Every show out there kind of gives me more feedback and helps me create the platform for this show."
Production of the show would be in Chicago when the crew is not filming in India.
Singla is planning for six 30-minute episodes.
Her two Indian cookbooks have sold more than 100,000 copies and a third, "Indian For Everyone," is set to be released in the fall.
The Kickstarter campaign raised $11,185 from 108 backers as of Thursday night.
The campaign will end Sept. 17.
"My only criteria is if I land a show on public television I want a cameo on 'Sesame Street,'" Singla said.
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