Madhur Jaffrey Family Tree: The Story Behind Indian Cooking's Global Face

Madhur Bahadur Jaffrey CBE, born 13 August 1933 in Delhi, British India, is the Indian-British-American writer, actress, and cookbook author who introduced Indian cooking to the West — An Invitation to Indian Cooking (1973) is a foundational text; 27+ cookbooks; James Beard Cookbook Hall of Fame; CBE 2004; Silver Bear for acting at Berlin Film Festival 1965.

The Family's Roots: A Delhi Hindu Family

Her Ex-Husband: Saeed Jaffrey

Saeed Jaffrey (1929–2015) — Indian-British actor (A Passage to India, My Beautiful Laundrette). Married Madhur in 1958; divorced 1965.

Her Second Husband: Sanford Allen

Sanford Allen — American violinist. Married Madhur in 1969.

Her Daughters (with Saeed)

Meera Jaffrey, born 1959; Zia Jaffrey, born 1961; Sakina Jaffrey, born 21 February 1962 — actress (House of Cards US as Raymond Tusk's wife).

The Jaffrey Family Tree at a Glance

First Husband: Saeed Jaffrey (1929–2015; m. 1958, div. 1965) — actor.

Second Husband: Sanford Allen (m. 1969) — violinist.

Daughters: Meera (b. 1959); Zia (b. 1961); Sakina Jaffrey (b. 21 February 1962) — actress.

Madhur Jaffrey:

  • Born 13 August 1933, Delhi
  • Miranda House Delhi; RADA London 1955-58
  • Married Saeed Jaffrey in London 1958
  • Moved to NYC 1958
  • An Invitation to Indian Cooking (1973) — landmark book
  • 27+ cookbooks; BBC & PBS TV cook shows
  • CBE 2004

What the Jaffrey Family Story Teaches Us

A Delhi Hindu family. Two marriages — first to actor Saeed Jaffrey (also famous). Three daughters — youngest is House of Cards actress Sakina Jaffrey. A career that introduced Indian cuisine to the West.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Madhur story carries the same lesson. Some careers make Indian food a global cuisine through a single 1973 cookbook.

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