Pankaj Bhadouria, the winner of the first season of MasterChef India, has revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The celebrity chef took to her social media account on May 28 to share the news with her followers.
In a post, Bhadouria shared a picture of herself from the hospital, lying on a bed in a patient gown with medical wires attached. She wrote, “I have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Need your prayers and support.”
She also posted a video showing her in a hospital robe with a cannula in her hand, with the text: “Going for tests and more tests…..not a happy place to be.” In another video, she spoke directly to her fans, saying, “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.”
From Teacher to MasterChef Winner
Bhadouria became an overnight sensation after winning the first season of MasterChef India in 2010, becoming the country’s first-ever winner of the show. The season was hosted by Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar. Before her culinary fame, she worked as an English teacher and reportedly left her 16-year-long teaching career to participate in the cooking reality show.
A Celebrity Chef and TV Host
Following her victory, Bhadouria went on to become one of India’s most popular celebrity chefs and television hosts. She has hosted several cooking shows, including Chef Pankaj Ka Zayka, Kifayati Kitchen, 3 Course with Pankaj, and Rasoi Se – Pankaj Bhadouria Ke Saath. She has also built a massive following on YouTube and social media, where she regularly posts recipe videos, cooking tips, and other food-related content.
Fans and well-wishers have flooded her posts with messages of support and prayers. Bhadouria’s courageous announcement has drawn attention to the importance of early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
