Here is a quick overview of what the winners of MasterChef India have been doing since their respective victories:
Season 1 (2010): Pankaj Bhadouria
Pankaj Bhadouria, a former school teacher, became the first-ever MasterChef India winner. Since her win, she has established a significant career as a chef, author, and TV host. She has hosted over ten TV shows, including Chef Pankaj Ka Zayka, and has authored several cookbooks. She also runs her own culinary academy in Lucknow and has a strong social media presence.
Season 2 (2011-12): Shipra Khanna
After her win, Shipra Khanna hosted the television show Kitchen Stars Ka Safar and became a celebrity chef. She has authored multiple cookbooks, with one, Sinfully Yours, winning the "Best Cook Book" award at the World Gourmand Awards in China. She continues to be a prominent figure in the culinary world and a popular influencer.
Season 3 (2013): Ripudaman Handa
Known for his focus on healthy and oil-free cooking, Ripudaman Handa went on to become a television personality. He hosted the TV show Junior MasterChef Swaad Ke Ustaad and appeared as a contestant on Nach Baliye. He is also involved in various cookbooks and television appearances.
Season 4 (2015): Nikita Gandhi
Nikita Gandhi, who was based in Abu Dhabi at the time of her win, now runs her own website and food blog called "The Veggie Fix," which focuses on healthy eating. She continues to be active in the culinary field and promotes a healthy lifestyle through her work.
Season 5 (2016): Kirti Bhoutika
The youngest winner of the show, Kirti Bhoutika, is a successful pastry chef and entrepreneur. She runs a bespoke dessert studio in Kolkata called "Sugar Plum Cakery." She also conducts online baking workshops, creates digital content for various food brands, and has hosted her own food show.
Season 6 (2019): Abinas Nayak
An engineer by profession before his win, Abinas Nayak has become a celebrated chef and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder of "Rroshashala," a cloud kitchen startup that specializes in authentic Odia cuisine, which he championed during the show. He is a prominent speaker and continues to promote the unique flavors of his home state.
Season 7 (2023): Nayanjyoti Saikia
The most recent winner, Nayanjyoti Saikia, has quickly turned his victory into a career. He has opened his own restaurant, Roohani, in Guwahati, which offers a progressive Indian menu with a global influence. He is also active on social media, where he collaborates with brands and creates food content.
