Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who treated the famous Dabbawalas — known for delivering tiffins to over 200,000 customers across Mumbai everyday — to a special lunch, says their work begins where his work as a kitchen king ends.

“I only make food but the other part of my job is done by these Dabbawalas who take our food to the mouths of people. They don’t just do the role of delivery, they take the food out of the kitchen and make it reach the stomach,” Kapoor said in a statement.

Mumbai’s Dabbawalas have gained fame globally for delivering lunch boxes, colloquially known as dabbas, to thousands of office-goers across the metropolitan city.

As a gesture to thank them for their services, Kapoor arranged lunch for Dabbawalas at Dadar here on Republic Day Monday.

Calling Dabbawalas the backbone of Mumbai, Kapoor hoped that the food carriers continue their services forever.

“I am proud and honoured to do the delivery of food for these Dabbawalas today (Monday) and I salute their spirit and hard work. These Dabbawalas are the backbone of the population of Mumbai and hope they continue to be for a lifetime,” he said.

Kapoor is currently seen sharing his expertise on Star Plus show “MasterChef India 4” along with chef Vikas Khanna and Ranveer Brar. The show went on air Monday.