MasterChef India Winners: Where Are They Now as Season 9 Premieres Tonight

As MasterChef India Season 9 premieres tonight at 9 PM with its inspiring ‘Pride of India’ theme, food lovers across the nation are reminiscing about the incredible champions who’ve lifted the coveted trophy over the years. From schoolteachers to single mothers, each winner has carved their unique culinary path after their television triumph. Here’s what the past champions are doing now.

MasterChef India Winners at a Glance

Season 1: Pankaj Bhadouria – The Trailblazer

The journey began with Pankaj Bhadouria, a schoolteacher from Lucknow who made the bold decision to quit her 16-year teaching career to compete on MasterChef India. Her gamble paid off spectacularly when she won the inaugural season in 2010, taking home ₹1 crore.

Today, Pankaj is deeply involved in culinary education through her Pankaj Bhadouria Culinary Academy in Lucknow. She regularly shares recipes and cooking tips on her YouTube channel, which boasts a substantial following. Notably, she became the first MasterChef winner worldwide to have an official MasterChef Cookbook dedicated to her culinary expertise.

Season 2: Shipra Khanna – The Celebrity Chef

Shipra Khanna’s victory in 2012 remains one of the most inspiring stories in MasterChef India history. A single mother from Shimla, she transformed her ₹1 crore prize money into a thriving culinary empire.

After her win, Shipra hosted “Kitchen Stars Ka Safar” on Star Plus and went on to appear in numerous cooking shows both domestically and internationally. She opened two successful restaurants: “H.O.T. – House of Taste” in Ahmedabad (2013) and “The Darzi Bar & Kitchen” in New Delhi. Her cookbook “Sinfully Yours” won the Best Cookbook award at the World Gourmand Awards in China. With 4.5 million Instagram followers, her popularity rivals that of Bollywood actresses.

Season 3: Ripudaman Handa – The Health Advocate

Ripudaman Handa made history in 2013 as the first and only male winner of MasterChef India. His passion for healthy, oil-free cooking set him apart from other contestants and continues to define his culinary philosophy.

Handa specializes in preparing nutritious meals for health-conscious customers, demonstrating that delicious food doesn’t require excessive oil or unhealthy ingredients. His early passion for cooking has evolved into a mission to promote wellness through cuisine.

Season 4: Nikita Gandhi – The Youngest Champion

Born and raised in Abu Dhabi, Nikita Gandhi moved to India specifically to compete on MasterChef India Season 4 in 2015, becoming the youngest winner at the time. Her exceptional cooking skills earned her the unique opportunity to design the inaugural champion menu for MasterChef, the TV Restaurant in Dubai Marina.

Today, Nikita runs The Veggie Fix Catering (TVF Catering) across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the UAE. While she’s currently focusing on family life, she reflects fondly on how winning the show brought her culinary passion to the forefront and established her professional reputation.

Season 5: Kirti Bhoutika – The Digital Creator

Kirti Bhoutika from Kolkata won Season 5 in 2016 and has successfully transitioned into the digital content space. As the founder of Sugarplum Cakery Kitchen, she’s built a brand around her baking expertise.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Kirti regularly updates her YouTube channel and creates sponsored content for food-related brands. She hosts online baking workshops for aspiring bakers across India and runs her own food show, Food Fiesta, on FoodXP, reaching audiences through multiple platforms.

Season 6: Abinas Nayak – The Multi-Talented Chef

When Abinas Nayak from Berhampur, Odisha, lifted the MasterChef India trophy in 2020, he received ₹25 lakh along with the title. His journey extends far beyond the show, participating in prestigious competitions like the MasterChef LokiCooks Fellowship 2019 and Hungry for Haldiram 2018.

Today, Abinas works as a food consultant and restaurateur while sharing his culinary wisdom as a TEDx speaker. His YouTube channel, MasterChef Abinas Nayak, has over 14,000 subscribers who tune in for his recipes and cooking insights. He represents the transformative power of dedication and love for the culinary arts.

Season 7: Nayanjyoti Saikia – The Assamese Culinary Ambassador

Nayanjyoti Saikia brought regional flavors from Assam to national prominence when he won Season 7 in 2023. His victory highlighted the incredible diversity of Indian cuisine and introduced audiences to lesser-known Northeastern culinary traditions.

Nayanjyoti actively creates content and regularly shares videos on his YouTube channel, bringing Assamese cooking techniques and recipes to a broader audience. His win emphasized that MasterChef India celebrates all regional cuisines equally.

Season 8: Mohammed Ashiq – The Restaurant Owner

The most recent winner, Mohammed Ashiq from Mangalore, claimed the Season 8 title in 2023 along with ₹25 lakh, a Golden Chef Coat, and a trophy. Unlike some winners who took time to establish their culinary ventures, Ashiq moved quickly on his restaurant dreams.

In late 2025, he opened Masara, his own restaurant in Bangalore, where he serves dishes inspired by his coastal heritage blended with contemporary techniques. His establishment has quickly become popular among food enthusiasts eager to experience the flavors that won him the MasterChef India crown.

What Season 9 Brings Tonight

As the eighth season’s success stories continue to unfold, MasterChef India Season 9 premieres tonight, January 5, 2026, at 9 PM on Sony Entertainment Television and SonyLIV. The season introduces an exciting twist—contestants will compete in duos rather than individually, testing not only culinary skills but also coordination and teamwork.

The beloved judging trio of Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar, and Kunal Kapur returns to mentor the next generation of home cooks. Under the ‘Pride of India’ theme with the tagline “Desh Front Foot Par Chal Raha Hai” (The country is moving forward confidently), Season 9 promises to celebrate regional flavors, traditional recipes, and the stories behind India’s diverse culinary heritage.

Episodes will air Monday through Friday at 9 PM, giving audiences their nightly dose of culinary inspiration. For those who prefer streaming, all episodes will be available on SonyLIV immediately after broadcast.

The Legacy Continues

The success stories of previous MasterChef India winners prove that the show is more than just a competition—it’s a launchpad for culinary careers. From YouTube channels and culinary academies to restaurants and international recognition, these champions have leveraged their platform to build lasting legacies.

As tonight’s premiere introduces a new batch of aspiring chefs competing for their chance at culinary stardom, one question remains: who will join this illustrious list of winners and write the next chapter in MasterChef India history?

For updates and to watch the premiere, tune into Sony Entertainment Television at 9 PM or stream on SonyLIV. Follow the official MasterChef India Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and episode highlights.

As MasterChef India Season 9 begins tonight, the legacy of past winners serves as inspiration for new contestants stepping into the iconic kitchen. Their diverse success stories—from teaching cooking to opening restaurants—prove that with talent, dedication, and a passion for food, anything is possible.

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