Homemaker to Celebrity Chef: Shipra Khanna

A young girl from Shimla, Shipra Khanna, was just a home maker a few years ago. Having faced a tragedy in her personal life, Shipra had lost all hope when her mother entered her name for Masterchef India 2. There was no looking back for her after that. Today, she is a restaurateur, chef, consultant, author and a T.V. show host.

After winning the prestigious competition, Shipra went on to host three shows:  "Kitchen stars ka safar", "Pure Sin" and "K for Kids". She also has her own YouTube channel now, called "Shipra's Kitchen". Apart from her shows, the Masterchef winner's book called "The Spice Route” has been doing extremely well too. Ready to take on Australia, she is preparing for a culinary journey all over the country, through an initiative by Cox and Kings called "Masterchef Travel".

Her success story is an inspiration for women all across the country. A single mother and a celebrity chef, Shipra defines what a modern Indian woman is all about. Shubhangini Arora spoke to Shipra Khanna about her profession and her new life in an interview conducted by SheThePeople.TV. Here is an excerpt from the conversation.

Twitter>

You were named the "Youngest and one of the most glamorous chefs in India" by India Today. In a very short span of time you have managed to make yourself a household name. What has been your biggest inspiration?

I take my inspiration from everything around me ,people who work with me and mostly every young aspiring girl. The youth and kids today is so dynamic and their energy inspires me to strive harder.

You, of course got your share of opportunities and the deserved success at Masterchef; but if it wasn't for that show, how different do you think your life would've been? or how difficult, do you think, it is for women in India to make it big in the culinary world? 

Of course my life would have been really different if I hadn't won "Masterchef",but cooking has always been a constant in my life so I would be cooking for sure.

Yes opportunities are there but it is consistent hard work and focus that can take women to heights of success in any field also the culinary world.

Your show, 'Pure Sin,' was the first and the only dessert show in India. Did you ever feel  like you were taking a risk with that show?

Emerging India needs experiments with changing tastes. It was a risk that thankfully worked very well and has changed the concept of conventional desserts.

What skills, according to you, are required by the modern Indian woman today, to be successful?

My journey so far has been full of a lot of learning, fun, travel and hard work. I love travelling and that has given me the chance to work and learn from the best of chef's around the globe and this is just the beginning and  there is a long way to go!