Chef Pankaj Bhadouria Announces Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Celebrity chef Pankaj Bhadouria, the first winner of MasterChef India, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The 54-year-old chef from Lucknow shared the news publicly on Thursday, May 28, through social media posts that included a photograph from her hospital bed.

In an Instagram post, Bhadouria wrote that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and needed prayers and support. She also shared video messages, describing her followers as an extended family and asking for their support. In one video, she stated that prayers work miracles. Additional posts showed her undergoing medical tests, with text describing the hospital as not a happy place to be. Specific details regarding the cancer's stage have not been disclosed.

Bhadouria rose to national fame after winning the inaugural season of MasterChef India in 2010. Prior to her culinary career, she worked as an English teacher for 16 years, a profession she left to compete on the show. Her victory launched a successful career as a television host, author, and digital creator. She has hosted several cooking programs, authored cookbooks including the official MasterChef Cookbook, and runs the Pankaj Bhadouria Culinary Academy in...