In a remarkable turn of events, Dr. Rukhsar, a dedicated mother and passionate food entrepreneur, has earned a coveted spot among the top 12 contestants on the popular cooking reality show “Master Chef India,” available for streaming on Sony Liv. Originating from the saffron-rich town of Pampore in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, Rukhsar’s journey from academia to the culinary world has garnered widespread attention from both media and food enthusiasts alike.
Rukhsar is the proud owner of Khalis Foods, a culinary venture that embodies her unwavering commitment to pure and unadulterated cuisine. Despite having the opportunity to secure a government job, her vision and her desire to spend more quality time with her son and daughter led her onto the path of entrepreneurship.
Her decision to launch her own business was driven not only by her devotion to nurturing her family but also by her aspiration to create employment opportunities for other young individuals. She began her business with a modest investment but a colossal dream.
“I hold a Ph.D. in Food Technology and had the chance to pursue a government job, but my primary intention was to start my own business. I have children, a son, and a daughter, and I wanted to be there for them. I wanted to have enough time to take care of my family. Additionally, I wanted to create job opportunities for young girls and boys,” Rukhsar explained.
Beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits, Rukhsar has ventured into uncharted culinary territory by auditioning for “Master Chef India,” a platform renowned for pushing the boundaries of culinary excellence. Her decision to participate holds particular significance as she aims to challenge gender stereotypes that have discouraged girls from Kashmir from engaging in such competitions.
“Very few girls from Kashmir participate in such auditions, and there was a need to challenge this stereotype. We need to step out of our comfort zones,” she declared, with a deep sense of determination. Rukhsar acknowledged the unwavering support of her family, particularly her husband, Saqib Ahmad Qadri.
Saqib Ahmad Qadri, Rukhsar’s husband, expressed his immense joy and wholehearted support for her being among the top 12 contestants. He said that the entire family, including Rukhsar’s parents, is rallying behind her. He also mentioned that Rukhsar and some local girls have been diligently working on frozen food since 2019.
“Rukhsar is exceedingly committed to providing pure and unadulterated food to others. She staunchly opposes any form of adulteration,” he proudly shared. Rukhsar’s creations of traditional food varieties have played a significant role in securing her position.
Anjali Mishra, a member of Sony Liv’s PR team, confirmed that Rukhsar is the sole contestant representing Kashmir in the top 12 of “Master Chef India.” She also highlighted that the competition will continue with further eliminations and challenges, and the ultimate victor will earn the prestigious title of “Master Chef of India.”
Rukhsar has been working tirelessly and has consistently impressed the discerning judges, Chef Vikas Khanna, Chef Ranveer Brar, and Chef Pooja Dhingra, with her truly unique and innovative dishes.
“I aspire to establish a culinary training unit in Kashmir to educate both young men and women because unemployment is a pressing issue. I want to impart to them what I’ve learned here so that they can become self-reliant and not be dependent on others,” Rukhsar expressed her noble vision for the future.
