As a young orphan on India’s streets, chef Sash Simpson never imagined he’d own a fine-dining restaurant in Toronto or that his story would resonate nationwide.
But that’s exactly what happened. As of October 21, Born Hungry, a documentary about his journey from street kid to owner of Summerhill’s Sash Restaurant and Wine Bar, is streaming on Crave in Canada. Directed by Barry Avrich and produced by Mark Selby and award winning-actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, the film premiered to sold-out audiences at festivals across North America.
“I hope people enjoy it because it’s a feel-good story, and I think we need a good story right now,” says Simpson. “I think it’ll touch a lot of hearts because I know it did mine.”
As a child, Simpson was abandoned in rural India, left to sleep on streets and scavenge for food. Eventually adopted by a Canadian family, he returns to India for the first time in Born Hungry. The film follows his journey as he revisits hazy memories and searches for his lost family.
“From being five and younger on the streets of India, to now being 54, here I am in Canada, with a nice, beautiful restaurant, a beautiful wife and two beautiful and handsome kids,” Simpson says. “This is a dream. It’s a miracle I have all this.”
Simpson was the executive chef at the now-closed North 44 when a well-known customer suggested a documentary about his childhood. Initially hesitant, he doubted anyone would be interested in his story.
“A lot of people know me in the city, and they know I’m adopted, but I don’t think they know the extent of my life and how I surfaced here,” says Simpson. “I never talked about it, and I didn’t want to talk about it.”
Over a decade later, after meeting Avrich, Simpson grew more “comfortable” sharing his story and became open to returning to India.
“There was so much emotion running through me—I knew there would be—but I had no idea what I was really in for until I went,” he says about his first trip back to his birthplace. “We found some closure, going back to the orphanage, but it was heartbreaking and emotional. I think I cried every day, trying to hold it together with so much hitting me all at once.”
Simpson says his upbringing is as much a part of him as his Canadian identity, adding he’d visit India every week if he could.
“At one point, I hated that place, but now I love it so much because I’m from there, and I’m proud that India is my home and my country,” he says. “India will always be in my heart and I’ll go back as often as I can. I want my family to see it, and once they do, they’ll love it as much as I do.”
While Born Hungry focuses on his drive to transform his life and reconnect with his roots, Simpson notes it’s also a tribute to those who helped him along the way.
“My avenues took me to rough roads, but yet, gave me beautiful roads where I met people like my mom who helped not only me, but hundreds of other kids,” he says. “She took kids off the street and gave them what they have.”
As the chef has grown more comfortable in sharing his story, he hopes the film will only continue to inspire others to see that change is possible.
“Wherever you live and whatever you have, don’t give up because you will meet good people, like I have. There are amazing people out there who love helping others,” he says. “Never say never; just do your part, work hard, and believe in yourself. I believe things happen for a reason, and when one door closes, another opens, so you just have to trust people.”
Born Hungry is now streaming on Crave.
