Nandini Diwakar rose to fame as a top 8 finalist in MasterChef India 2019. After she won the Lufthansa Cook & Fly Contest, her dish was served in Lufthansa Airlines' business class for two years, with her name credited. She coordinates the iconic contest ‘Kahin Gum Na Ho Jaye’ after winning its first edition. A documentary on her life has received more than a million views.

Masterchef Nandini Diwakar is a passionate culinary artist currently serving as the Head Chef at the Bohemia Bar & Diner by the Chancellor Club at Ashiyana in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

Nandini Diwakar plays a crucial role as the Head Chef at Bohemia Bar and Diner, overseeing the restaurant's menu and kitchen operations. She is responsible for introducing new dishes to the menu and curating fresh cuisines every month to enhance the dining experience. In addition to managing the restaurant and supervising the kitchen, she actively engages with guests to gather feedback, ensuring their tastes and preferences are met with the highest standards of culinary excellence. Her commitment to guest satisfaction and innovation makes her an integral part of the restaurant’s success.

Chef Nandini Diwakar shares that the venue boasts five banquet halls, allowing multiple events or wedding functions to be hosted simultaneously. In addition to large-scale conferences, the venue also caters to high-profile weddings, where a special MasterChef counter is set up featuring signature dishes crafted by her. She recalls a recent event—a conference for PGI doctors attended by approximately 350 guests—where she curated a Lebanese food counter. The unique flavors and culinary presentation were highly appreciated by the attendees, further solidifying her reputation for delivering exceptional dining experiences.

Diwakar has a strong inclination toward fusion cooking, where she skillfully blends different cuisines to create unique flavors. She enjoys experimenting with combinations like Indo-Chinese and Indo-Italian, bringing together the best of both culinary worlds.

Chef Nandini Diwakar shares that non-vegetarian cuisine is her true passion and main domain of expertise. Given a choice between vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, she would always go for the latter.

Nandini Diwakar embarked on her culinary path in 2015, dedicating years to mastering her craft. She emphasizes that becoming a Masterchef is a long and rigorous process that requires immense dedication, experience, and continuous learning. For her, cooking is more than just a profession, it is her passion, her identity, and the driving force behind her success.

Nandini Diwakar’s life took a major turn in 2015, marking a pivotal moment in her career. She recalls casually scrolling through social media when she stumbled upon the Lufthansa Cook & Fly Contest.

It was the second season of the competition, and the selection process required participants to submit their unique recipes. If chosen, they would compete in the grand finale at The Leela Hotel in Delhi.

Excited by the opportunity, she submitted around 8 to 10 recipes. Soon, she received the thrilling news that she had been selected among the top eight contestants from across India. To add to her achievement, she was the only girl from Uttar Pradesh to qualify for the grand event.

Coming from a middle-class family, Nandini had never experienced flying before. However, September 8, 2015, became a milestone day in her life, when she took her first-ever flight.

Accompanied by her father, she boarded the plane with excitement and a sense of accomplishment. The moment the flight took off, she had a profound realization: "Now, I only have to go up."

Seated by the window, she cherished every second of the flight, taking in the breathtaking views from above. Upon landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, she was fascinated by the sight of multiple flights taking off and landing, an experience she deeply enjoyed. This moment was not just about flying in an airplane, it symbolized her growth, progress, and the beginning of bigger dreams taking flight.

As soon as she landed, Nandini and her father were welcomed with warm hospitality and provided with an Audi for their commute to the luxurious Leela Hotel, Gurgaon. The entire experience felt surreal, as it was the first time she was treated with such grandeur at a competition.

The event began with an interview session, where she introduced herself and recorded a short video segment. Everything was happening on a much larger scale than she had ever imagined.

As the competition started, nervousness set in. It was her first-ever live cooking contest, and she could feel the pressure. However, she reminded herself of her passion and creativity. With confidence, she presented a dish of her own creation and successfully cleared the first two rounds.

This experience not only tested her skills but also marked a milestone in her career, proving that she had the talent and resilience to shine in the culinary world.

For the Lufthansa Cook & Fly contest, she created a special dish: Chicken Kofta Curry with Mava Pulao, which she named "Murg Noor-e-Bahara with Mava Pulao." Interestingly, she had previously entered this dish in another competition but did not win. This made her uncertain about her chances in this contest.

As the winners were being announced, five out of eight participants had already received their prizes. At that moment, she assumed she wouldn’t make it. But then, to her complete surprise, she was declared the winner! It was an unexpected and unforgettable moment for her.

At first, she had considered the contest to be just another regular competition. However, when she returned to Lucknow, her professor called to congratulate her and revealed the real magnitude of her achievement. Her dish was served in Lufthansa Airlines' business class for two years, with her name credited! This turning point in her career made her realize the true impact of her talent and hard work.

Chef Nandini Diwakar further shares a special achievement related to one of her innovative creations. The Navratri-special momo recipe she developed for a contest is now being used by the popular restaurant "Nainital Momos" during the Navratri festival.

Winning the Lufthansa Cook and Fly contest became a turning point in Chef Nandini Diwakar's life, bringing her widespread recognition and multiple honors. She was featured in several newspaper interviews and received special recognition at her college, where she was honored by Kalraj Mishra, the then Cabinet Minister of MSME. One of the most remarkable moments of her life was meeting Honorable Rita Bahuguna Joshi, who asked how she could help her. In response, Nandini's father requested the construction of a road in front of their house, a request that was fulfilled within three months, with the road named after Nandini Diwakar.

Her achievements led to several prestigious awards, including the Rani Laxmi Veerta Award from CM Yogi Adityanath and other state-level recognitions in Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, she received a cash token of appreciation from the then-Governor. Her growing influence extended beyond the culinary field, as she was appointed the Brand Ambassador of the "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" campaign for Delhi NCR, after winning the "Kahin Gum Na Ho Jaye," contest. From being a passionate home cook to becoming a renowned chef and an inspiration for many, Nandini Diwakar’s life exemplifies how talent, perseverance, and dedication can lead to extraordinary success.

In 2015, Chef Nandini Diwakar gained even more recognition when she ranked among the top three searches on Google, thanks to a documentary about her life story that was viewed by over nine lakh people.

Nandini Diwakar was born and raised in Lucknow and currently resides in RDSO, Manak Nagar in Lucknow itself. Her native village is located near the city, and when she was born, her father moved to Lucknow with family, where she spent her entire childhood.

Reflecting on her academic life, she shares that she initially studied in a small school before joining Balika Vidyalaya Inter College, Lucknow, from the 6th grade onward. She later pursued her graduation and post-graduation from the University of Lucknow, building a strong educational foundation before stepping into the culinary world.

Since childhood, Nandini Diwakar had a deep passion for cooking. With both her parents working, she often found herself in the kitchen, experimenting with different types of dal and chutney while helping with household chores.

She recalls how, even at a young age, she paid attention to detail—ensuring that every chapati she made was of the same size. Her love for precision and perfection became a habit that now reflects in her professional career, where she strives for excellence in every dish she creates.

When talking about her family, Nandini Diwakar proudly shares that because of her parents' hard work she and her sister have become self-sufficient and reached a good position in life. She has four sisters, each excelling in their respective fields. Her eldest sister is a government teacher, the second is a bank manager, the third is an advocate, and her youngest sister is currently pursuing a PhD. Their collective achievements inspire her, reinforcing her belief in hard work and dedication.

Nandini Diwakar recalls that her path to cooking began as early as when she was in 5th grade, when she would prepare various dishes that were admired and appreciated by those around her. At that time, she was unaware of the culinary field or the role of a chef.

She shares that her early learning came from newspapers and recipe corners in magazines, which she eagerly followed to experiment with new dishes. Even today, she continues this habit, regularly reading recipe sections in newspapers and magazines to explore new culinary ideas and innovations.

After completing her schooling, Nandini Diwakar pursued a B.Sc. and later completed her post-graduation from Lucknow University. However, it was right after her 12th class that she got her first big breakthrough in the culinary world.

She came across a contest where participants had to create an innovative Navratri-special recipe. Excited and full of energy, she decided to participate. For the first round, she prepared Papdi Chaat, a dish that had never been made specifically for Navratri before. Her unique take on this popular snack helped her win the first round.

Moving into the second round, she had to create another innovative dish. Since Momos were trending at that time, she thought of making a Navratri-special version. However, she couldn’t find any existing recipes for it. After brainstorming with her sister, she successfully created Navratri-friendly Momos.

The contest was judged by none other than India’s first MasterChef, Pankaj Bhadouria. She appreciated Nandini's creativity and culinary skills, awarding her the "Best Innovation Award" in the contest. This moment was a huge encouragement for her, reinforcing her passion for cooking and innovation in the culinary field.

Building on her early success, Nandini Diwakar continued to participate in various culinary events and competitions. She once again competed in a prestigious contest where MasterChef Pankaj Bhadouria was the judge. This time, she secured a spot in the top 5, further solidifying her presence in the culinary world.

Nandini reflects on her life, stating that she was climbing the stairs of success one step at a time, driven by her deep passion for cooking. Every competition and challenge only fueled her determination to explore, innovate, and refine her culinary skills.

During her post-graduation, Nandini faced a remarkable challenge that turned into a defining moment in her life. At the time, an event was being organized for ranking universities, and a team of 100 inspectors was scheduled to visit her university. Recognizing her culinary skills, the professors of the university entrusted her with the responsibility of preparing food for the guests.

Although she lacked experience in catering to such a large crowd, her confidence in cooking kept her determined. She meticulously planned a menu featuring 10 snacks and assembled a team to assist her in the preparation. With the unwavering support of her professors and her college, she executed the event seamlessly.

The visitors were highly impressed, praising the food and remarking that it felt like dining in a five-star restaurant. This experience boosted her confidence and further solidified her path toward becoming a professional chef.

In 2018, Nandini took a significant step in her culinary career by joining Molecule Air Bar, a well-renowned restaurant in Lucknow. She worked there for a year, gaining invaluable experience in the restaurant industry.

In 2019, as MasterChef India Season 6 was about to begin, Nandini Diwakar saw another opportunity to showcase her culinary skills on a national platform. She had previously participated in the show twice and reached the Delhi round, but unfortunately, she couldn’t progress further. However, she remained determined to try again.

She explains that MasterChef India primarily selects home chefs, meaning participants should not be actively working in a restaurant or possess a formal Hotel Management degree. Since she did not have a diploma or degree in hotel management, she met the eligibility criteria. However, to ensure everything was clear, she directly approached the MasterChef team for approval, and they granted her permission to participate, marking another crucial moment in her life.

Diwakar shares that reaching the MasterChef India kitchen is no easy feat, as it requires clearing eight to nine rounds of rigorous selection. Some rounds required participants to create unique recipes within just 5 minutes, demanding sharp thinking and creativity. She shares an example, where a simple potato was given as the main ingredient, the challenge was to create something entirely unique that stood out from the rest.

She recalls that she was unsure whether she would be able to make it to the show, as MasterChef India is the biggest and most prestigious cooking competition in the country. However, one of her biggest motivations for participating was the chance to meet Chef Vikas Khanna, her longtime inspiration. She highlights that meeting him is not easy, you either need to achieve something extraordinary in the culinary world or have strong connections. For her, MasterChef India was the perfect opportunity to fulfill this dream, and she was determined to make it happen.

In November 2019, after rigorous screening, she was finally selected for MasterChef India Season 6, a moment of immense pride for her. Competing against lakhs of aspiring chefs from across India, securing a spot in the top 15 contestants was a huge accomplishment. She describes this experience as truly wonderful and life-changing, solidifying her passion for cooking and pushing her towards greater heights in the culinary world.

Nandini Diwakar reminisces about the recognition and appreciation she received in 2015-16, particularly after winning the Lufthansa Cook and Fly contest. She recalls how people who met her saw her as a role model and inspiration, which fueled her determination to keep growing in the culinary world.

Speaking about her time in MasterChef India, she highlights the immense responsibilities that came with it—representing her state and city while also handling the pressures of the competition. Her career in Masterchef progressed from the top 15 to the top 8, overcoming multiple intense rounds. Among the most challenging tasks, there was one where she had to single-handedly prepare 275 kg of wheat halwa, a physically demanding feat due to the massive utensils, which she humorously compares to a swimming pool.

She also recalls the emotional struggles faced during the competition, especially the nerve-wracking experience of receiving a black apron, a moment signifying the risk of elimination. Despite these challenges, she persevered, proving her resilience and passion for cooking.

Celebrated Chef Nandini describes reaching the top eight in MasterChef India as an incredibly rewarding experience. She shares that the judges highly appreciated her skills, particularly her expertise in managing flavors and blending different tastes seamlessly. Her ability to create unique and well-balanced flavor profiles set her apart in the competition.

After reaching the top eight, she returned home to a warm and overwhelming reception, where she was once again celebrated and appreciated for her efforts. Her success on MasterChef opened new doors, leading her to appear on various TV shows and radio programs, further solidifying her presence in the culinary world.

After MasterChef India, Nandini Diwakar faced a new challenge when COVID-19 hit. However, instead of letting the situation hold her back, she adapted by starting cooking classes from home, sharing her expertise with aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts. Her classes gained traction, and she even taught students from the USA and Canada, expanding her reach beyond India.

She fondly recalls that one student from Nashik still frequently approaches her for lessons, and she ensures to arrange special classes. This phase not only allowed her to continue her passion for cooking but also helped her nurture and mentor budding chefs across the globe.

Currently, Diwakar’s life is incredibly busy, as she is actively working in a restaurant with a demanding shift from 2 PM to 11 PM, which sometimes extends until 1 AM. Alongside her restaurant work, she also attends various culinary events, further immersing herself in the food industry.

Despite the hectic schedule, she enjoys this fast-paced lifestyle, emphasizing that she prefers to stay engaged and make the most of every moment by continuously doing something productive. For her, passion and dedication drive her forward, ensuring that she remains deeply connected to the world of cooking.

Even after coming home late at night, Nandini Diwakar ensures she makes the most of her mornings by shooting content for Instagram and YouTube, recognizing the importance of consistency on digital platforms. Her dedication to maintaining an active online presence showcases her commitment to sharing her culinary expertise with a broader audience.

Beyond content creation, she also actively participates in various culinary events, not just as a contestant but also as a judge, further solidifying her reputation in the food industry. Balancing her demanding restaurant job, social media presence, and event participation, she continues to push herself, driven by her passion for cooking.

Nandini Diwakar firmly believes that when you do something good in life, you naturally attract and connect with like-minded, inspiring people, which in turn motivates and encourages growth. She emphasizes how these connections have played a crucial role in her life, allowing her to continuously evolve as a chef and a public figure.

She also highlights the unwavering support of her family, who have always stood by her side. Their constant appreciation and motivation reassure her that she is on the right path. Their encouragement fuels her determination to keep pushing boundaries and striving for excellence in her culinary career.

MasterChef Nandini Diwakar not only participates in culinary events but also organizes them, playing a significant role in promoting the art of cooking. She fondly describes the event “Kahin Gum Na Ho Jaye”, which was initiated by her mentor, Babita Ma’am, in 2016. Nandini herself won this competition, and after the unfortunate death of Babita Ma’am, she took on the responsibility of coordinating the event and contest in Uttar Pradesh.

She shares that organizing such events brings her a sense of motivation and confidence, reinforcing the belief that she has made a meaningful impact. She emphasizes that managing and handling events enhances her organizational and leadership skills, helping her grow beyond just cooking.

Nandini Diwakar finds inspiration in multiple individuals but holds a deep admiration for Chef Vikas Khanna as her primary role model. She shares that her admiration for him began during her 10th or 12th grade when she first learned about his life. What struck her the most was how Chef Vikas Khanna overcame physical challenges and humble beginnings to become a Michelin-star chef. His resilience, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence motivated her to stay committed to her culinary passion.

She continues to follow and look up to him, just as she did in her early years. His life story serves as a guiding force in her own career, reminding her that persistence and hard work can lead to remarkable achievements. Through his influence, she has shaped her own culinary path, constantly striving to refine her skills and reach new heights in the world of cooking.

Chef Nandini Diwakar deeply connects with a belief shared by Michelin-star Chef Vikas Khanna:

"परिस्थिति कभी आपको पीछे नहीं कर सकती।"

(Situations cannot hold you back; you have to face them, fight, and move forward.)

She resonates with this philosophy as she, too, has encountered numerous challenges in her life. Just like Chef Vikas Khanna, she believes that perseverance and determination are key to overcoming obstacles. Her own experiences have reinforced this mindset, driving her to push past difficulties and achieve success in the culinary world.

Nandini Diwakar shares that her biggest inspiration comes from her parents, who have instilled in her the values of hard work, perseverance, and self-sufficiency. Coming from a humble background, her parents worked tirelessly, putting in 12 to 14 hours a day in their laundry business to ensure that all five of their daughters could stand on their own feet. Their dedication and resilience shaped her mindset, teaching her that no work is small or big.

Her father, in particular, always encouraged her to dream big and keep moving forward, often reminding her,

"अगर आपको सपने देखने हैं तो छोटे सपने मत देखिए, हमेशा बड़े सपने देखिए"

(If you want to dream, don’t dream small—always dream big).

This philosophy became a guiding force in her life, even making its way into her documentary. She firmly believes that the life she is living today, full of achievements and recognition, is only possible because of the sacrifices and values her parents instilled in her.

Chef Nandini emphasizes the immense support she received from her elder sister, who played a significant role in her life. She highlights that participating in contests often requires financial resources for purchasing ingredients, platters, and other essentials, and her sister always ensured she had the necessary funds.

Beyond her family, her friends also stood by her, constantly believing in her abilities even more than she did herself. Their encouragement kept her motivated and pushed her to pursue her dreams with confidence. She firmly believes in staying connected with people who uplift and inspire her rather than those who pull her back. Nandini expresses deep gratitude, stating that she feels fortunate that God has always brought good people into her life, guiding her on the path to success.

Nandini Diwakar expresses deep gratitude towards Babita Ma’am and Atul Sir, who played crucial roles in supporting and motivating her throughout her professional life. She credits their guidance for helping her successfully coordinate the contest "Kahin Gum Na Ho Jaye,"  for three consecutive seasons, which allowed her to strengthen her position in the hearts of people.

She proudly states that she feels happy that she was able to meet Atul Sir’s expectations and perform even better than expected. When speaking about Babita Ma’am, she describes her as someone who always strived for perfection in her work. Nandini acknowledges that she learned a lot from her, especially in paying attention to the finer details. She recalls how Babita Ma’am’s scoldings, though strict, were meant to correct her mistakes and push her towards excellence. She believes that these lessons played a significant role in shaping her into the chef she is today.

Nandini Diwakar firmly believes in the philosophy of continuous learning. She shares that she learns from everyone around her, whether it be a small child, an elderly person, or even from her own mistakes. She acknowledges that every experience, every interaction, and every challenge presents an opportunity to grow and improve.

Nandini Diwakar shares that whenever she feels low or lacks motivation, she always recalls a powerful quote by the legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan:

"कोशिश करने वालों की कभी हार नहीं होती।"

This quote, meaning "Those who keep trying never fail," is her favorite and a source of strength during tough times. It reminds her to stay persistent and never give up, no matter how difficult the situation gets. This mindset has helped her overcome challenges and continue striving for success in her culinary life.

Nandini Diwakar shares an inspiring quote that she often repeats:

"ज़िंदगी की असली उड़ान अभी बाकी है,   हमारी ख्वाहिशों का  इम्तिहान अभी बाकी है, अभी तो नापी है मुट्ठी भर ज़मीन, अभी तो सारा आसमान बाकी है।"

She emphasizes the importance of continuous growth and perseverance in life. She believes that no matter how much one has achieved, there is always more to strive for. Her philosophy is to never stop moving forward, as greater accomplishments await those who keep pushing their limits. This mindset has been the driving force behind her career, allowing her to break barriers and achieve remarkable success.

Masterchef Nandini Diwakar shares a powerful message for young aspirants, emphasizing the importance of education in every field. She firmly believes that education is a must for everyone, as success is not possible without knowledge and learning.

She encourages aspiring individuals to gather as much knowledge as possible, whether from books, experiences, or mentors who support and motivate them. According to her, continuous learning is the key to personal and professional growth, and one should always seek wisdom from various sources to stay ahead in life.

Diwakar further shares insights about the challenges of becoming a chef, emphasizing that it is not an easy profession. She highlights that working in this field often requires long hours, sometimes up to 18 hours a day.

She warns aspiring chefs not to underestimate the profession, especially by comparing it to cooking at home. She explains that there is a significant difference between a home kitchen and a restaurant kitchen. In a professional setting, the work pressure is intense, and even preparing a simple dish like noodles involves multiple steps, from ingredient preparation to precise plating and timely service.

She encourages those passionate about cooking to be prepared for the hard work, discipline, and dedication required to succeed in the culinary industry.

Nandini Diwakar honestly states that hard work is the key to growth in the culinary field. She emphasizes that only those who are truly hardworking and dedicated can succeed, and warns that if someone is considering this profession thinking it is easy, then it is not the right career for them.

She highlights the harsh realities of the kitchen, mentioning that aspiring chefs must be prepared to handle work pressure and even face scoldings from the head chef. The kitchen environment demands discipline, resilience, and the ability to perform under stress.

Her final advice to young aspirants is to focus on education, stay determined, and remain dedicated to their goals. She encourages them to build confidence, stay connected with supportive people, and always keep their vision and objectives clear. Success in any field, including cooking, comes with passion, hard work, and unwavering determination.

Chef Nandini Diwakar describes her smile as her greatest strength. Whenever she faces setbacks—whether it’s a dish not turning out as expected or feedback not meeting her hopes—she simply smiles and moves forward.

She shares her biggest dream: opening her own restaurant, for which she is working tirelessly. Her goal is to bring her dishes to people on a larger scale.

Being from Lucknow, she has a deep connection to Nawabi cuisine and especially enjoys cooking non-vegetarian dishes. Inspired by Chef Vikas Khanna, she aspires to open restaurants and small outlets in different cities across India and internationally.

Her dream is to see her food reach every corner of the world, just like she did during the Lufthansa contest, where her dishes gained global appreciation. She remains committed to her passion and is determined to make her culinary dream a reality.

She shares a powerful message, emphasizing that everything in life becomes easier and more achievable if we work with dedication, happiness, and a forward-moving attitude.

She acknowledges that life is filled with ups and downs, but she insists that after every downfall, the only way is up—there’s nowhere lower than that. She encourages everyone to keep pushing forward, believing in their own, and facing challenges with a smile and determination.

Her words serve as a reminder that resilience, passion, and a positive mindset are the keys to success in any field.