There’s much to like about Marco Pierre White, celebrity chef, the original bad boy of the culinary world and devil of Hell’s Kitchen. He loves butter on everything. He doesn’t judge people, just forms opinions about them, but he has no opinions on food critics. He returned his three Michelin stars because he didn’t want to be judged by people who know less than him about food.

Earlier this month, White was in Mumbai, as a headliner for the culinary festival, World on a Plate, Season 4 (powered by Cox & Kings). At the launch of the event, the chef, though clearly jetlagged, was in fine form. On my ride from the airport, I was silent. It was overwhelming, the sounds, the colours, the sights and the smells (pause). The smell of talent, he says, confessing to feeling an inexplicable emotional and spiritual connection to the country.

Simplicity has always been Marco’s strong point and he freely admits that he prefers simple, wholesome food (butter in everything’) over a ten-course meal.

I am not blinded by fluff. Presentation should be your generosity. Food shouldn’t impress you, it should feed you, he says. Keep it simple and honest.

What makes a great chef? They should have respect for food and accept that Mother Nature is the true artist; everything they create should be an extension of themselves; they should realise that cooking is a philosophy and not just a recipe, he says. Today people want to be stars and on TV. When I started, there were no famous chefs, the name of the establishment was famous. A chef should be behind the stove. People are paying for your cooking, so you can’t lie to them and have someone else cook while you travel the world.

White is in the process of building a hotel, Mr White’s House in the Woods, in Bath, UK, which will feature a Stonehenge-like structure and a special menu, which will see him return to a professional kitchen.

In his future is a movie based on his book, The Devil in the Kitchen. The shooting for the film should start in May. I may make an appearance as a Michelin judge in it, he says. But the story won’t focus on the stars and you’ll have to wait and see what it’s about. Yes, Marco.