MasterChef India winner Pankaj Bhadouria diagnosed with breast cancer; asks fans for prayers and support

Pankaj Bhadouria, who won the first season of MasterChef India, took to her social media account and shared that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. On May 28, Pankaj shared a picture of herself from the hospital where she can be seen lying on a hospital bed dressed in a patient gown with medical wires attached to her.

Sharing the post, she wrote, “I have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Need your prayers and support folded hands emoji.”


She shared a video from the hospital on her social media account after undergoing multiple medical tests. In the clip, she is seen sitting in a hospital robe with a medical cannula attached to her hand.

The text on the video read, “Going for tests and more tests…..not a happy place to be.”

She also shared a video in which she spoke about her diagnosis and gave an update on her current health condition. She said, “I just wanted to share with you all that I have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Since all of you are like an extended family to me, I wanted to share this with you personally. Right now, I truly need your prayers and support. As they say, prayers work miracles. So please keep me in your prayers."

For the uninitiated, Pankaj Bhadouria became an overnight sensation after winning the first season of ‘MasterChef India’ in 2010. She became the country’s first-ever MasterChef winner. The season was hosted by Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar.

Pankaj worked as an English teacher and reportedly left her 16-year-long teaching career to participate in the cooking reality show.

Following her big win, she went on to become one of India’s most popular celebrity chefs and television hosts. She hosted several cooking-based shows including ‘Chef Pankaj Ka Zayka’, ‘Kifayati Kitchen’, ‘3 Course with Pankaj’, and ‘Rasoi Se – Pankaj Bhadouria Ke Saath’.

Pankaj has created a huge following through her YouTube channel and social media handles. She regularly posts recipe videos, cooking tips and other food-related content for her large online following.