A shocking piece of news surfaces online: MasterChef India season 1 winner Pankaj Bhadouria, the chef, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The renowned chef shared a post and a story on her social media handle, revealing her diagnosis on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
Pankaj posted a picture of herself on her Instagram from a hospital bed, where she is seen lying on the bed with a medical cannula attached to her, which hints at the treatment journey.
Sharing the picture in the caption, Pankaj revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer but didn’t reveal what stage she is at now: “I have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Need your prayers and support.”
In contrast, in her Instagram story, Pankaj got emotional talking about her diagnoses and seeking blessings, “I just wanted to share with you all that I have been diagnosed with breast cancer. And since you all are my extended family, I wanted to tell this to everyone. And right now, I need your prayers the most and your support. Because there is a saying that prayers work magic, so keep me in your prayers.”
Now Pankaj has joined the list of famous women in India who have suffered from breast cancer — including actresses Hina Khan, Sonali Bendre, and Chhavi Mittal — all of them with strength addressed their issue and showcased their journey to inspire many.
