The culinary world is buzzing with excitement as the highly popular cooking reality show, MasterChef India, makes a grand comeback. The show officially returned with its ninth season on January 5, 2026. This new installment is hosted by the famous chef trio of Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar, and Kunal Kapoor, and introduces a thrilling twist where contestants will compete in duos. As the competition heats up, let's take a nostalgic journey through the show's history and celebrate the champions who have defined its legacy.
The Complete Legacy of MasterChef India Champions
Since its inception, MasterChef India has transformed ordinary home cooks into celebrated culinary stars. Each winner has carved a unique path in the food industry, inspiring millions of aspiring chefs across the nation. Here is a detailed look at where life took them after their historic victories.
Season 1 to Season 4: The Pioneering Winners
The first season of MasterChef India was won by Pankaj Bhadouria, a former schoolteacher who left her 16-year career to pursue her passion. Her victory, which came with a cash prize of Rs 1 crore, was just the beginning. Today, she runs the Pankaj Bhadouria Culinary Academy in Lucknow and actively engages with food enthusiasts through her YouTube channel, 'MasterChef Pankaj Bhadouria'.
In 2012, Shipra Khanna, a single mother from Shimla, claimed the Season 2 title and the Rs 1 crore prize. She leveraged her win to become a celebrity chef, hosting shows on Food Food and appearing in numerous cooking programs in India and abroad. She also runs a successful YouTube channel and hosts podcasts.
Ripudaman Handa won Season 3 in 2013. While he later participated in 'Nach Baliye Season 6', his heart remained in the kitchen. He is very active on social media, particularly Instagram, where he shares recipe videos and cooking tips with his dedicated followers.
The winner of Season 4 in 2015 was Nikita Gandhi. She has taken her culinary expertise international, working as a content creator and establishing a thriving business called The Veggie Fix Catering (TVF Catering), which operates across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the UAE.
Season 5 to Season 8: The Modern Culinary Entrepreneurs
Kirti Bhoutika emerged victorious in Season 5 (2016). According to her LinkedIn, she creates social media content for various food brands, runs a popular YouTube channel, and hosts online baking workshops across India. She also has her own food show, 'Food Fiesta', on FoodXP.
Abinas Nayak, the Season 6 winner, is a multi-faceted personality. He works as a food consultant, restaurateur, and a TEDx speaker. He continues to share his culinary knowledge through his YouTube channel, 'MasterChef Abinas Nayak', which has over 14,000 subscribers, maintaining his status as a respected figure in the culinary community.
Hailing from Assam, Nayanjyoti Saikia won Season 7. He has chosen a path of consistent creativity, focusing on being a content creator. He regularly uploads cooking videos to his YouTube channel, keeping his fans engaged with new recipes and culinary experiments.
The most recent champion, Mohammed Ashiq, won Season 8. His prizes included 25 lakh rupees, a trophy, and the prestigious Golden Chef Coat. True to his dream, Ashiq opened his own restaurant named Masara in Bangalore in late 2025, marking his successful entry into the restaurant business.
Looking Ahead to Season 9
As MasterChef India Season 9 unfolds with its exciting duo format and celebrated judges, it carries forward the rich legacy built by these eight remarkable winners. Their journeys from home kitchens to becoming entrepreneurs, educators, and influencers underscore the show's profound impact on India's culinary landscape. The new season promises to discover the next champion who will join this illustrious list.
