What does it take for a homemaker to turn the tables and become a national sensation? For Aruna Vijay, a contestant on MasterChef India 2023, it was her determination to create her own identity, her passion for cooking, and her desire to break stereotypes.
Born and raised in Chennai, Aruna’s journey into the culinary world began at a very young age.
At just 15, she started experimenting in the kitchen, using cooking as an escape from the limitations of her environment. Married at 22 in a community where women were expected to stay within the four walls of their homes, she took on the roles of wife and mother. Yet, she craved something more — a sense of respect and a platform to express herself.
And so, cooking became her voice.
“People say, ‘Auratein ghar pe karti hi kya hain?’ (What does a housewife even do at home?),” she recalls, reflecting on the societal judgment she faced. “But today, millions love my recipes, and I am the voice of countless homemakers!” she adds.
Despite being surrounded by criticism, Aruna was determined to bring her South Indian heritage into the spotlight. When she joined MasterChef India 2023, people mocked her for being just a “housewife”. The trolling on social media deeply affected her. “I cried myself to sleep every day,” she admits. But through it all, her husband stood by her, becoming her constant support.
Her love for food and desire to showcase the richness of South Indian cuisine kept her going. She was driven to prove that South Indian cuisine was far more diverse than just idli and dosa. With her fusion of flavours and innovative use of vegetables, Aruna soon caught the judges’ attention.
She was among the top four finalists on MasterChef India. Her journey is proof that with determination and belief, women can achieve anything they set their minds to.
Her message? “Women, you have the power to achieve it all! Never give up on your dreams.”
Edited by Megha Chowdhury
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