Born Hungry (2025) – Nov 28 on JioHotstar
Born Hungry is an emotionally gripping documentary that traces the extraordinary real-life journey of chef Sash Simpson, a man who rose from the harsh streets of India to the bustling culinary world of Toronto. Streaming on JioHotstar from November 28, the film captures a moving tale of resilience, identity, and homecoming. It intertwines personal history with global success, offering a deeply human perspective that resonates with audiences worldwide.
From Abandonment to Acclaim – The Story of a Survivor
Sash Simpson’s life story is nothing short of astonishing. As a child, he survived by scavenging for food, sleeping in alleyways, and navigating the chaos of the streets. However, his life changed when he was adopted and moved to Canada—a shift that opened the doors to education, opportunity, and eventual culinary glory.
Despite building a name as one of Toronto’s most respected chefs, an emotional void lingered. The unanswered questions about his roots, identity, and family haunted him. Consequently, Born Hungry follows his heartfelt journey back to India, where he attempts to reconnect with the fragments of his past and the family he never knew.
A Journey Back Home – Searching for His Origins
The documentary beautifully portrays Sash’s return to India—filled with nostalgia, emotion, and uncertainty. With every location he revisits, he confronts memories of survival and loss. As he meets individuals who may hold pieces of his past, the film slowly unravels the emotional layers of his identity.
The journey also becomes a tribute to the millions of children who live without support, safety, or family. Through Sash’s story, the documentary sheds light on issues of abandonment, social inequality, and the silent resilience of street children.
Personalities Who Bring Depth to the Narrative
Alongside Sash Simpson, the film features voices from culinary and cultural spaces:
- Shipra Khanna – Self
- Mark McEwan – Self
- Thomas Zacharias – Self
Their insights offer a deeper understanding of Sash’s impact on the culinary world, while also illustrating how his past shaped his professional journey.
Vision Behind the Story – Director & Producers
Directed by Barry Avrich, Born Hungry blends cinematic storytelling with raw human emotion. Avrich captures the heart of Sash’s journey—its vulnerability, strength, and transformation—while grounding it in reality.
Producers
- Barry Avrich – Executive Producer
- Priyanka Chopra Jonas – Producer
With Priyanka Chopra Jonas lending her global influence and passion for meaningful stories, the documentary gains emotional and cultural weight, making it a powerful global narrative.
A Documentary That Stays With You
Born Hungry is more than a story about food or fame—it is a profound exploration of identity, belonging, and the invisible ties that connect us to our origins. As Sash confronts his past and seeks closure, viewers are reminded of the strength of the human spirit and the enduring need to know where we come from.
