Chef Kaushalya Chaudhary On Turning Marwari Pride Into Digital Presence

When Kaushalya Chaudhary was married at the age of 19, her first thought was fear: the fear that she would be confined to the four walls of a home and never be able to build an identity of her own. Her humble kitchen in a village in Rajasthan became the backdrop for a woman’s dream to do something for herself and her family. With just a ₹7,500 phone in her hand, she embarked on an uncertain journey, one that would change her life. Years later, she is not only a homemaker but also a renowned social media influencer and the proud business owner of Sidhi Marwadi. 

Kaushalya’s journey reflects the daily struggles rural women face. What makes her story unique is her unwavering will to persevere and her resilience to fight the odds and make a name for herself. In an interview with SheThePeople, MasterChef fame Kaushalya recounted her journey so far. She also spoke about how women today are breaking free from regressive moulds and beginning to find their voices.

Kaushalya Chaudhary in Conversation with SheThePeople

STP: In the first episode of MasterChef India, you made the classic Raj Kachori, which the judges praised for its rich flavour. Rather than focusing on conventional international cuisine, you highlighted your roots by showcasing Marwari dishes. Was it easy to stay true to your traditions while exploring YouTube and later?

Kaushalya Chaudhary: Initially, when I was offered MasterChef, I felt that I should also try making international cuisine. Then I had a thought: why aren’t we representing our roots on a national platform? The food our ancestors embraced and passed down to us was well-researched. There’s a reason why our cuisine has lasted generations. So when I got the opportunity to present it to the world, I thought—why not?

It also gave me a chance to send a message that you don’t have to fit into a mould. You can represent your individuality on a global platform.

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STP: Throughout your journey from homemaker to proud owner of an entrepreneur, your family has been extremely supportive. How important has that support been in shaping your journey?

Kaushalya Chaudhary: Especially when we start from a small scale, family support becomes crucial. I come from a village, so there were certain things I had to be mindful of when I began my journey. Initially, it was difficult to convince my family to pursue YouTube. In 2016, no one considered YouTube a viable career. Unlike now, when we see many creators, people back then were unaware of such a path.

My family would often ask, “Why would anyone pay you to cook on camera?” There were struggles, but eventually, my family came around. Today, I have the full support of my husband and others. While I stand in front of the camera, they stand behind it—my biggest cheerleaders.

STP: Nowadays, some women view cooking as regressive, associating it with traditional domestic roles. Many household chores are still heavily gendered. What is your perspective on this mindset?

Kaushalya Chaudhary: It’s true that cooking is often seen as a woman’s job, but so many men are incredible chefs, take Chef Vikas Khanna or Chef Ranveer Brar, for example. I don’t believe any work is small. It’s all about how far you can take it. Doing household chores doesn’t mean you’re confined to the home.

Even in villages, many women have enhanced their skills and turned domestic work like embroidery and stitching into income-generating activities.

STP: While balancing your business and family life, do you ever feel like you’re missing out? Is it always easy to maintain a healthy work-life balance?

Kaushalya Chaudhary: I believe in ‘kuch paane ke liye kuch khona padta hai’ (to gain something, you must give something up). It’s not possible to have everything at the same time. But I won’t complain—this is the field I chose. When I started YouTube, it was difficult to manage both. I had two young children, and my youngest was barely a year old. I would wait until they were asleep to shoot my videos. I do believe that time management makes things much more manageable.

STP: You’ve introduced authentic Marwari dishes like Panchkuta and Sookhi Gawarphali through your digital presence. How does it feel to be an influencer who not only creates delicious food but also introduces audiences to Marwari culture?

Kaushalya Chaudhary: When I started creating videos in the Rajasthani language, I was worried people would think I was uneducated. But once the videos went live, the response was amazing—people were supportive and left encouraging comments. Seeing that acceptance motivated me to create more content in my regional language.

Since then, I’ve seen more Marwari women come forward and make videos about our vibrant culture. I feel there should be even more content showcasing Marwari culture, especially for younger generations who’ve grown up in cities and may never have experienced it properly. If my videos can help someone understand and embrace our culture, that would truly be an honour.

STP: There’s been a growing conversation around feminism. How do you personally define feminism?

Kaushalya Chaudhary: I believe that in our culture, women have always been respected. Since ancient times, we’ve worshipped goddesses. Yes, during colonial times, women were temporarily pushed into the background, but now, with time and education, things are changing.

God made women special—they’re natural multitaskers. Women should strive to prove themselves, without worrying ‘log kya kahenge?’ (What will people say?). I truly believe women can achieve great things; they just need the right guidance.

STP: If you had the chance to meet your 18-year-old self, what advice would you give her?

Kaushalya Chaudhary: When we look back, there are always things we ponder. If I hadn’t married at 18, I might have pursued higher studies and become a doctor. But God had different plans. I believe that everything happens for a reason.

Years later, I had the chance to pursue a B.Ed. in Alwar. I had two options—become a teacher or take a chance on YouTube. I would tell my 18-year-old self to make the right decisions at the right time. I’d also say that sometimes, sacrifices are necessary for the greater good. But no, I wouldn’t ask her to change anything. By God’s grace, she will have no regrets in life.