In Conversation with Aruna Vijay

Aruna, What made you decide to stop being a stay-at-home mum and follow your dreams of making food and content?

After spending years dedicating to raising my two kids, I began to feel a longing for personal fulfillment and a sense of purpose. Cooking had always been a passion of mine, and I found joy in sharing recipes and culinary tips with friends and family.

But before finding out that cooking was thing, I did work with my husband, and I was overwhelmed by accounts and numbers, clearly I knew that it’s not my thing.

And during covid when the social media boom happened, I decided to make use of it and from being a stay-at-home mom to pursuing my dreams in the culinary and digital content space.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic influence your journey towards discovering your love for food and content creation?

During the challenging times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, like many others, I found solace and purpose in the kitchen. Also, that’s when I realized that after 13 years of marriage and 2 kids & with 3 degrees I hadn’t done anything with my life. 

With more time spent at home and a desire to uplift spirits, I began experimenting with new recipes and sharing my culinary creations on social media platforms. 

The positive feedback and engagement from my audience during this time not only fueled my passion for cooking but also opened my eyes to the potential of content creation as a means of connecting with others and spreading joy during difficult times.

Can you elaborate on the challenges you faced as a woman from a traditional Marwari family entering the workforce?

As a woman from a traditional Marwari family, stepping into the workforce presented me with unique challenges. First Most Marwari women are not allowed to work outside, as it’s a prestige issue for many families.

There were societal expectations and stereotypes surrounding the roles and responsibilities of women, particularly within the confines of traditional family structures. 

Breaking away from these norms required courage and perseverance. I had to convince my family & cultural expectations of the society. However, with the support of my family and my own determination, I was able to overcome these challenges and carve out my path in the professional world.

How did your husband support you in your journey, particularly in overcoming societal expectations?

 My husband has been my pillar of support throughout my journey. He not only encouraged me to pursue my passions but also stood by me in challenging societal expectations. 

I wouldn’t have been here without him !!! His belief in my abilities and unwavering support gave me the confidence to defy stereotypes and pursue my dreams. 

Together, we confronted societal norms and paved the way for a more inclusive and supportive environment where women are empowered to pursue their aspirations

What motivated you to participate in MasterChef India despite your initial doubts?

Participating in MasterChef India was never my plan, I would say it was god’s plan!! Despite initial doubts and uncertainties, I saw it as an incredible opportunity to showcase my culinary skills on a national platform. 

when I left for the show I just carried 5 sets of clothes, thinking I wouldn’t last that long, coz I am just a homemaker with no professional cooking background and plating sense. But the encouragement I got from my family ultimately outweighed any apprehensions I had.

How did your background and heritage influence your cooking style and choice of dishes for competitions like MasterChef India?

I am a unique blend of Marwari born and brought up in Tamilnadu and both these cultures are very close to my heart. So even my food was like that, but I certainly feel my strength is South Indian cuisine and so decided to play on my strengths.

For competitions like MasterChef India, I drew inspiration from my cultural roots to create dishes that not only showcased my skills but also celebrated the diversity and richness of Indian cuisine, more so Tamilnadu cuisine.

What were some of the key lessons you learned during your time on MasterChef India?

MasterChef India was a transformative experience that taught me invaluable lessons not just cooking, but more than that it was life lessons , and personal growth. For someone who has been a stay at home mom for 13 yrs in the comfort of her loved ones. Stepping out into the unknown was quite scary.

I blindly trusted ppl and also learnt lessons the hard way. But all these experiences did shape me as a person. I am not the same Aruna any more. Additionally, I gained a deeper understanding of the creative process and the importance of innovation in cooking. Collaborating with fellow contestants and receiving feedback from the judges also taught me the value of continuous learning and humility.

Could you share a memorable moment or experience from your journey on the show?

One of the most memorable moments from my journey on MasterChef India was when I refused to cook with eggs and had to give up my immunity pin. Being a jain and vegetarian, touch and cooking with eggs are against my faith and belief systems.

For many, it was a No big deal, but for me it was everything, coz my core principles decide my character. On that day I did cry a lot while giving away my pin, but today I am proud if my decision.

How did it feel to step out of your comfort zone and live independently for the first time during the competition?

Haha… that was the most difficult part, I have always been pampered by my father and husband. Stepping out of my comfort zone and living independently for the first time during the competition was both exhilarating and challenging. 

It pushed me to confront my fears, adapt to new environments, and embrace uncertainty. While it was initially daunting to be away from my family and familiar surroundings, the experience ultimately fostered personal growth and self-discovery. 

It taught me resilience, self-reliance, and the importance of embracing new experiences with an open mind. 

In what ways do you think your participation in MasterChef India has impacted your personal growth and aspirations?

Participating in MasterChef India has had a profound impact on my personal growth and aspirations. I owe a lot to that show, it made me who I am today. It pushed me to push my limits, explore my creativity, and refine my culinary skills. 

The experience instilled in me a greater sense of confidence, resilience, and determination to pursue my dreams. 

It also opened doors to new opportunities and connections within the culinary world, inspiring me to continue striving for excellence and making a meaningful impact through my passion for food.

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