MasterChef India winners through the years: Where former champions stand before Season 9

The popular cooking reality show MasterChef India is all set to return with its ninth season. The new season will premiere on January 5, 2026, and will stream on Sony LIV. Over the years, MasterChef India has become one of the most loved food-based reality shows in the country. It has helped many home cooks turn their passion for cooking into successful careers.

This season will once again be judged by famous chefs Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapoor. A new and exciting change has been introduced in Season 9. For the first time, contestants will compete in pairs or duos, which is expected to add more drama, teamwork and creativity to the competition.

As fans eagerly wait for the new season to begin, it is a good time to look back at the winners of the earlier seasons and see how their lives changed after winning the show.

Past winners and their journeys

Pankaj Bhadouria, the winner of MasterChef India Season 1, made history by becoming the first champion of the show. She was a school teacher before joining the competition and decided to quit her job after participating. She won a cash prize of Rs 1 crore. Today, she runs the Pankaj Bhadouria Culinary Academy in Lucknow. She also shares recipes and cooking tips on her YouTube channel, MasterChef Pankaj Bhadouria, and remains very active in culinary education.

Shipra Khanna, who won Season 2 in 2012, came from Shimla and was a single mother at the time of her victory. She also won Rs 1 crore. After the show, she became a well-known celebrity chef and hosted a cooking show on the Food Food channel. She later appeared in several food shows in India and abroad. Shipra also runs a YouTube channel where she shares recipes and hosts podcasts on different topics.

Ripudaman Handa, the winner of Season 3 in 2013, continued his journey in the entertainment world after MasterChef. He participated in the dance reality show Nach Baliye Season 6. He is active on social media and regularly shares cooking videos and recipes with his followers.

Nikita Gandhi, who won Season 4 in 2015, focused on building her career as a food entrepreneur. She now works as a content creator and runs The Veggie Fix Catering (TVF Catering). Her business operates in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and other parts of the UAE, offering plant-based food options.

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Kirti Bhoutika, the winner of Season 5 in 2016, is actively involved in food content creation. She regularly uploads videos on her YouTube channel and creates digital content for food brands. She also conducts online baking workshops for people across India. In addition, she hosts her own food show called Food Fiesta on FoodXP.

Abinas Nayak, who won Season 6, is a food consultant, restaurateur and public speaker. He is also a TEDx speaker. Abinas runs a YouTube channel named MasterChef Abinas Nayak, where he shares recipes and cooking knowledge. His channel has gained a loyal audience over the years.

Nayanjyoti Saikia, the winner of Season 7, belongs to Assam. After winning the show, he focused on creating digital food content. He regularly uploads cooking videos on his YouTube channel and connects with his audience through social media platforms.

Mohammed Ashiq, the winner of Season 8 in 2023, received a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh, a Golden Chef Coat, and a trophy. In late 2025, he took a major step in his career by opening his own restaurant named Masara in Bangalore. His restaurant has received attention from food lovers for its unique flavours.

Season 9 premiere and viewing details

MasterChef India Season 9 will start streaming on Sony LIV from 9 PM on January 5, 2026. New episodes will be released Monday to Friday at 9 PM. With a new format, fresh contestants and exciting challenges, the upcoming season promises to be entertaining for food lovers.

As the show returns, fans can expect inspiring stories, creative dishes and intense competition. Season 9 aims to celebrate teamwork, passion for food and the joy of cooking, making it another exciting chapter in the MasterChef India journey.