28 May,2026 04:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pankaj Bhadouria. Pic via Instagram
Celebrity chef and MasterChef India Season 1 winner Pankaj Bhadouria recently revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The chef took to social media to share the news with her fans and followers, while asking them to pray for her.
Taking to her Instagram account, on May 28, Pankaj Bhadouria shared a picture of herself from the hospital where she is seen lying on a hospital bed, dressed with medical wires attached to her. Sharing the post, she wrote in the caption, "I have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Need your prayers and support" with folded hands emoji.
She also shared a story on her social media account, where she posted a video from the hospital while 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 testsâ¦..not a happy place to be."
Additionally, the chef also shared a video of herself talking about the diagnosis and her current condition. "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," Pankaj said emotionally.
For the unversed, Pankaj Bhadouria rose to fame after winning the first season of MasterChef India in 2010, judged by chefs Kunal Kapur and Ajay Chopra, along with Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, becoming the country's first-ever MasterChef winner. Before starting her culinary journey, Pankaj worked as an English teacher. She reportedly left her 16-year-long teaching career to participate in the cooking reality show.
After her big win, Pankaj went on to become one of India's most popular celebrity chefs and television hosts. She even hosted several cooking-based shows, including Chef Pankaj Ka Zayka, Kifayati Kitchen, 3 Course with Pankaj, and Rasoi Se - Pankaj Bhadouria Ke Saath.
Apart from television, she has built a strong digital presence through her YouTube channel and social media platforms. She is known to regularly share cooking recipes, kitchen tips, and food-related content with followers.
