Delhi Boy’s Masterstroke

A gym instructor before he decided to contest on the show,Handa’s enthusiasm for muscle building hasn’t waned in the least. “I’m at the gym from 7 am. Exercising is something I can’t live without and though winning Masterchef has opened up opportunities for me,the gym will always be a big part of my life,” he says,“I also want to get back to studying — about food,naturally. I was never interested in general studies. Maybe I’ll go

abroad and study food production and theory.”

The boy who grew up in Rajouri Garden in West Delhi — where restaurants and dhabas offer a range of Punjabi delicacies,from dal makhani to tandoori momo — seemed destined to spend a lot of time cooking,eating

and distributing food. Equally unsurprising is his adoration for butter chicken. This Punjabi staple apart,Handa is

enamoured of Continental cuisine,specially Italian.

“Masterchef provided me with wide exposure to the kinds of food from around the world,cooking techniques and cultures. My favourite moment in the show was entering the kitchen for the first time and seeing the judges standing there. It gave us an immediate sense of belonging and I knew that,whatever the result,I would have a great time,” he says.

Though never trained in cooking,Handa enjoyed a fine culinary education under his mother,which stood him in good stead in the show. “I never thought about the competition part of it. I was just happy to be given the chance to cook for people. As long as my food was good,I was happy and did not worry about the marks I got,” he says.

Apart from learning ghar ka khana from his mother,Handa also sets up barbecues for his friends on weekends. Though occupied with post-show commitments for a year,Handa plans to

continue with his passion for feeding people. “Ultimately,I want to open a restaurant. Not a fancy place,but a casual space for people to enjoy good,honest food,”

he says.