Updated On: 11 January, 2026 01:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
MasterChef India Season 9 contestant Mini moved judges and viewers by sharing her journey of living with secondary Parkinson’s disease. Cooking, she said, became her therapy and source of strength, helping her pursue her passion with resilience and independence

Vikas Khanna, a still from MasterChef India
A recent episode of MasterChef India Season 9 turned deeply emotional as contestant Mini shared her inspiring journey of strength, resilience and unwavering passion for cooking. Her story, marked by courage in the face of adversity, left the judges and viewers visibly moved.
During the episode, Mini opened up about being diagnosed with secondary Parkinson’s disease, a condition that has presented ongoing physical challenges. Despite this, she described cooking as her safe space and source of healing. “Cooking is therapy for me,” she shared, explaining how time in the kitchen helps her focus, stay calm and regain a sense of control over her body and mind.