Mumbai: Celebrity chef and 'MasterChef India' winner Pankaj Bhadouria has revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Pankaj shared the update through her social media accounts on May 28. She posted a photograph from a hospital in which she was seen lying on a hospital bed in a patient gown with medical wires attached to her.
Alongside the picture, she wrote: "I have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Need your prayers and support."
Hospital videos shared on social media
In another post shared on her social media account, Pankaj uploaded a video from the hospital while undergoing multiple medical tests. In the clip, she was 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 tests…..not a happy place to be."
She also shared a separate video message speaking about her diagnosis and present 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," said Pankaj.
First winner of MasterChef India
Pankaj Bhadouria became widely known after winning the first season of 'MasterChef India' in 2010. She was the first winner of the cooking reality show in the country.
Before joining the culinary industry, she worked as an English teacher. Reports said she left her 16-year teaching career to participate in the programme.
Following her win, Pankaj hosted several cooking shows, including 'Chef Pankaj Ka Zayka', 'Kifayati Kitchen', '3 Course with Pankaj', and 'Rasoi Se - Pankaj Bhadouria Ke Saath'.
Apart from television, she also built a strong digital following through YouTube and social media, where she regularly shares recipes, kitchen tips and food-related content.