27-year-old Abinas Nayak from Odisha, who was a technology analyst by profession, emerged as the winner of MasterChef India 6. Apart from the trophy, Nayak also won a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh.

A passionate cook, he managed to impress the judges time and again by whipping up the best dishes. Along with his knowledge of ingredients and taste, he won the first immunity pin in the competition. Apart from Abinas, the finalists included Akanksha Khatri, Oindrila Bala and Smrutisree Singh.

Talking about his winning moment, he says, “It was an amazing and surreal experience. It was the biggest moment of my life. I won it in front of my family. They were proud of me. It was incredible and I can’t express in words. My family and friends have been always supportive. When I entered the show, I was nervous and scared because I quit my job and entered the show but I got huge support so that I could pursue my dreams.”

When we ask what he would do with the winning amount, he quips, “I will invest it in the right way. I would like to write a book which would have a lot of different recipes. There would be a few basic and necessary information that is not present in any book for people who would want reference while cooking. I will put out a lot of unexplored things for people who love experimenting. Ultimately, I would like to open a restaurant too.”

On an end note, he mentions, “I have treated my dadi with my cooking skills. However, after winning, now, I would like to treat her with elegant dishes and food that I learnt during my MasterChef journey.”

Way to go boy!