Who is Pankaj Bhadouria? Celebrity Chef and MasterChef India season 1 Winner diagnosed with breast cancer

MasterChef India Season 1 winner Pankaj Bhadouria, who recently revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer, is among India’s most well-known television chefs. On May 28, she took to social media to inform everyone that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and asked her followers for their prayers and support. (Photo: Instagram)

The celebrity chef posted a photograph from the hospital in which she is seen lying on a bed in a patient gown, with medical wires attached to her. Alongside the image, she wrote, “I have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Need your prayers and support,” followed by a folded hands emoji. (Photo: Instagram)

Pankaj Bhadouria rose to stardom after winning the first season of ‘MasterChef India’ in 2010. She became the country’s first-ever MasterChef winner and the season was hosted by Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar. (Photo: Instagram)

Pankaj worked as an English teacher in Lucknow and reportedly left her 16-year-long teaching career to participate in the cooking reality show. Although she was working as a teacher, cooking had always been her true passion. In 2010, she decided to audition for MasterChef India. Winning the first season of the show completely changed her career and made her a popular face across the country. (Photo: Instagram)

After winning the first season of MasterChef India, Pankaj Bhadouria never looked back and went on to host several cooking shows. She hosted cooking-based shows like Chef Pankaj Ka Zayka, Kifayati Kitchen, 3 Course with Pankaj, and Rasoi Se - Pankaj Bhadouria Ke Saath. (Photo: Instagram)

After winning the title of the first MasterChef India, Pankaj went on to start her own cooking institute 2012 to train aspiring cooks. It offers Professional Courses and Certificate Courses for amateur chefs. She hosted 15+ shows and authored six books. (Photo: Instagram)

Last year, Pankaj took to her Instagram account and looked back at her journey. Recalling her 15 years journey and participating in MasterChef Season 1, Pankaj shared, “Either you Quit the Show, or you Quit your Job.” Those words echoed in my mind as I stood at a crossroads 15 years ago. It wasn’t an easy choice. Leaving behind a stable 16-year career, my family, and the comfort of a secure life to chase a dream felt like madness to many." (Photo: Instagram)

She added, "I traveled to Mumbai, stepping into the unknown, knowing there were no guarantees. I was just one among 40 hopefuls, with no assurance of making it to the top 10, let alone stepping into the MasterChef kitchen. Winning the title seemed like an impossible dream." (Photo: Instagram)

Pankaj further wrote, "People called me foolish. They questioned my decision: “Why give up everything for a notion? A TV show? What if you fail? Will you ever regain the security you had?” And yet, deep down, I knew I had to take the risk. That moment—when I earned my first apron—was my turning point. It wasn’t just about proving the doubters wrong; it was about proving to myself that I could do it." (Photo: Instagram)

Pankaj concluded her post, "I showed that age and circumstances don’t define our ability to dream or succeed. Looking back, it was the best decision I ever made. Dreams do come true, but only if you’re willing to take the leap. That leap was my first step toward fulfilling a lifelong passion, and I’ve never looked back since." (Photo: Instagram)