The iconic white apron of MasterChef India has been a dream for countless home cooks across the nation. Since its debut in 2010, the show has crowned nine remarkable champions, each with a unique story. But what happens after the confetti settles and the trophy is lifted? Let's trace the culinary and professional journeys of every MasterChef India winner, from the very first season to the latest.
From Home Cooks to Culinary Stars: The Early Champions
The first season of MasterChef India in 2010 set a high bar, won by the talented Pankaj Bhadouria. A school principal from Lucknow, Pankaj transformed her life completely. She now runs a successful culinary academy, hosts popular TV shows like "Chef Pankaj Ka Zayka," and has authored multiple cookbooks. She remains a prominent face in Indian food media.
Season 2's victory went to Shipra Khanna in 2012. Hailing from Shimla, Shipra leveraged her win to build a formidable brand. She is a celebrated chef, restaurateur, and judge. Shipra has hosted shows like "Chef Shipra Kitchen" and "Sweet Kaaram," and her YouTube channel boasts millions of followers. She also consults for restaurants and hotels globally.
The winner of Season 3 in 2013 was Ripudaman Handa. After his win, Ripudaman chose a path away from the public limelight. He has focused on catering, cloud kitchens, and private chef services. Based in Delhi, he specializes in contemporary Indian cuisine and often collaborates on high-end culinary events.
New Formats and Rising Talents
After a hiatus, MasterChef India returned with a new format and judges in 2020 for Season 7. The winner was Nayanjyoti Saikia from Assam. "N.J.," as he is popularly known, has become a culinary entrepreneur. He runs his own brand, "The Local Kitchen," focusing on Assamese and Northeastern Indian cuisine, and is a vocal advocate for regional food cultures.
Season 8, which aired in 2023, was a historic moment as it crowned the show's first female winner in over a decade: Mohammed Aashiq from Kerala. Aashiq, a talented home baker, won hearts with his intricate desserts. Post his victory, he has been developing his own patisserie brand and conducting masterclasses on baking and confectionery across the country.
The Latest Culinary Queen: Suvarna Bagul's Triumph
The most recent champion is Suvarna Bagul, who won MasterChef India Season 9 in 2024. A home chef and food blogger from Mumbai, Suvarna impressed the judges with her innovative takes on traditional Maharashtrian and Indian dishes. Her winning moment was a highlight of the season finale aired on January 4, 2025.
Since her victory, Suvarna has been actively building her professional career. She has launched a series of pop-up dining experiences called "Suvarna's Secret Kitchen," which have received critical acclaim. She is also in the process of writing her first cookbook, which will focus on modern regional Indian cuisine. Suvarna continues to engage with her massive fanbase through social media, sharing recipes and snippets from her culinary ventures.
The common thread among all winners is the transformative power of the MasterChef India platform. While their paths have diverged—from TV stardom and cookbook authorship to restaurant entrepreneurship and private catering—each has carved a significant niche in the competitive food industry. The show continues to be a launchpad, proving that passion, when combined with skill and determination, can turn home cooks into nationwide culinary inspirations.
