Sikh restaurateur in Kochi goes viral for flawless Malayalam after award win, as Shashi Tharoor reacts: 'Wonderful to hear him articulate so fluently'

A routine award acceptance has unexpectedly turned into a celebration of India’s cultural fabric, after a Sikh restaurateur from Kochi captivated the internet with his effortless command of Malayalam. What began as a simple moment of recognition quickly evolved into a viral sensation, drawing admiration from across the country and beyond.

Mohinder Singh Sethi, the face behind Sethi Da Dhaba in Kadavanthara, recently won the Manorama Online Golden Clove Award 2026 for Best North Indian Culinary Excellence. The honour, decided through public voting across Kerala, reflects the deep connection his restaurant has built with local diners. Yet it was not the accolade alone that sparked widespread attention. Instead, it was Sethi’s heartfelt post-award interaction that truly resonated.



In a widely shared video, Sethi spoke fluently in Malayalam while expressing gratitude and recalling his late mother’s aspirations. His words carried both emotional depth and cultural nuance, delivered with a natural ease that surprised many viewers. For audiences unfamiliar with his background, the sight of a turbaned Punjabi man speaking Malayalam so seamlessly created a powerful and memorable contrast.



Social media platforms were quick to amplify the clip, with users praising Sethi’s linguistic fluency and his ability to bridge cultural identities. Many described the moment as a genuine reflection of India’s diversity, where regional boundaries blur through lived experience rather than labels.

Several comments highlighted how convincingly Sethi embodied Kerala’s linguistic identity, with some viewers admitting they initially assumed he was a native Malayali. Others applauded the way he balanced his Punjabi heritage with his life in Kerala, calling it a rare yet inspiring example of cultural integration done right.



The viral moment also reignited conversations around language as a connector rather than a divider. In a country often defined by its linguistic variety, Sethi’s story offered a refreshing reminder that identity can be layered, fluid, and inclusive.



Adding to the buzz, Shashi Tharoor weighed in with a thoughtful response that further elevated the moment. He acknowledged that Sethi’s fluency was not entirely surprising given his upbringing in Kerala, yet emphasised how striking it felt in contrast to expectations based on appearance.



Tharoor praised the restaurateur’s ability to articulate his appreciation for Kerala’s love of Punjabi cuisine, calling it a vivid example of unity in diversity. His remarks reinforced the broader significance of the clip, positioning it as more than just a viral video.

Beyond the immediate reactions, the episode underscores how stories of everyday individuals can resonate deeply when they reflect shared values. Sethi’s journey is not merely about language proficiency or business success. It is about belonging, adaptation, and the quiet blending of cultures that often goes unnoticed.

As the video continues to circulate, it serves as a reminder that authenticity has a universal appeal. In a digital landscape crowded with fleeting trends, moments like these endure because they feel real. And in that simplicity lies their greatest impact.