MasterChef India Winner Pankaj Bhadouria Opens Up About Hair Loss During Chemotherapy: ‘It Stopped My Breath’

MasterChef India Season 1 winner Pankaj Bhadouria has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of losing her hair during chemotherapy, describing the experience as traumatic despite having prepared herself for it before starting treatment.

Celebrity chef Pankaj Bhadouria has shared a deeply personal update from her ongoing cancer treatment, opening up about one of the most difficult physical changes she has experienced during chemotherapy.

The first winner of MasterChef India recently shared a picture of herself combing her hair while looking at the strands that had fallen out. Reflecting on the moment, Pankaj said she had known hair loss could occur during chemotherapy, but experiencing it herself was far more difficult than she had anticipated.

Pankaj Bhadouria says hair loss has been traumatic

Pankaj explained that she had been mentally prepared for hair loss around the third week of chemotherapy. However, when it actually began, the reality of losing her hair affected her deeply.

“You know it. You are prepared for it. But when it hits you, it hits hard,” she wrote.

She added that she had always been proud of her thick hair and found watching it fall particularly painful.

“I was always prepared for hair loss in the 3rd week of chemotherapy. But when it started happening, it stopped my breath. I was so proud of my thick strong hair and seeing them go like this is turning out to be traumatic,” Pankaj shared.

Despite the emotional difficulty, the chef expressed hope about the future and reminded herself that her hair would eventually grow back.

“I know I will get them back, even better….but this is where it is hurting the most,” she added.

Her post offered a personal glimpse into the emotional side of cancer treatment, particularly the visible changes that can accompany chemotherapy.

Pankaj had cut her hair before chemotherapy

Before beginning chemotherapy, Pankaj had already considered the possibility of losing her hair. She chose to cut her long hair short, allowing herself to enjoy it before treatment began.

At the time, she wrote that she wanted to make the most of what she had rather than worry about what chemotherapy might bring.

“I begin with my chemotherapy. Who knows what chemotherapy might throw my way. Hair loss or not, Let me enjoy what I have, when I have, in the way I want to have,” she had written.

Her latest update shows how different it can feel when an anticipated side effect becomes a reality.

Pankaj Bhadouria revealed her breast cancer diagnosis in May

Pankaj publicly shared her cancer diagnosis earlier this year. On May 28, she posted a picture from her hospital bed and told her followers that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Need your prayers and support,” she wrote.

She subsequently shared a video from the hospital while undergoing medical tests, giving her followers an early glimpse into the beginning of her treatment journey.

“Going for tests and more tests…..not a happy place to be,” she wrote alongside the video.

The following day, on May 29, Pankaj revealed that she was scheduled to undergo surgery. She thanked her followers for their support and expressed confidence that she would recover.

“Thank you so much for all the love and support that you have showered on me. Today I am going for surgery and I know I will bounce back. So, once again keep me in your prayers,” she wrote.

Her post-surgery reports changed the treatment plan

After her surgery, Pankaj provided another update in June, explaining that the detailed biopsy results had affected the next stage of her treatment.

According to the information she shared, an invasive 2mm HER2-positive component was detected in the post-surgery biopsy. She said her doctors subsequently advised 12 chemotherapy sessions along with one year of targeted therapy.

Pankaj had previously acknowledged feeling “a little scared” about chemotherapy but said she intended to approach the treatment one day at a time.

Pankaj continues to share her cancer journey

Throughout her treatment, Pankaj has used social media to share both the difficult and hopeful moments of her experience with her followers.

Her latest post about hair loss reflects a particularly emotional part of that journey. While she had anticipated the possibility of losing her hair, she acknowledged that knowing it would happen did not make the experience easier when it finally began.

For Pankaj, the decision to speak openly about these moments has also given her followers a more personal understanding of what she is going through as she continues her treatment.

SheZindagi wishes Pankaj Bhadouria strength and support as she continues her treatment journey.