Monisha Patil

Last Updated: April 27, 2024

Monisha Patil, an esteemed Indian chef, and author, born and raised in Mumbai, embarked on a multifaceted journey that intertwined her passion for both culinary arts and Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance. From a tender age of 4, Monisha immersed herself in Bharatanatyam, dedicating over three decades to mastering the art form. Educated at esteemed institutions such as Bombay International School, St Columba School, HR College of Commerce, and the London School of Journalism, her diverse academic background laid the foundation for her illustrious career.

After completing her diploma in journalism, Monisha pursued her culinary aspirations, graduating from the Institute of Hotel Management in Mumbai in 1985. In 2004, she established ‘Cooking With Monisha,’ a renowned cooking school nestled in West London, marking the inception of her culinary journey. Transitioning from chef to chef tutor, Monisha shared her expertise at esteemed institutions such as The Bristol School of Food and Wine and Ashburton Cookery School. Additionally, she graced the academic realm as a guest lecturer at SOAS, University of London.

Monisha’s literary prowess manifested early on, as she began writing at the age of 15, addressing adolescent issues. Collaborating with her mother, Vimla Patil, Monisha co-authored two acclaimed books, “The Prestige Festival Cookbook” and “The Exotic Curries of the Orient,” showcasing her culinary finesse. Recognized as the ‘Cookery Writer of the Year’ by the Guild of Food Writers in 2003, Monisha’s culinary contributions garnered widespread acclaim.

Beyond her literary accolades, Monisha’s culinary journey saw her serve as a judge at prestigious events such as the Guild of Fine Food’s ‘Great Taste Awards’ and various cooking shows. She enlightened audiences on Indian cuisine’s intricacies at Kew Gardens and collaborated with the British Council on a historical perspective on curry. Invited to speak at esteemed institutions like the Welcome Collection in London, Monisha’s influence extended far beyond the kitchen.

Monisha’s personal life intertwined with her professional endeavors as she embarked on a journey of matrimony with renowned Indian actor Nitish Bharadwaj in 1991. Blessed with two children, India and Arrush Bharadwaj, their union spanned over a decade before culminating in divorce in 2005. Despite the personal challenges, Monisha’s resilience and dedication to her craft remained unwavering.

In 2019, Monisha embarked on the Cookery Legends cruise around the British Isles, further solidifying her status as a culinary luminary. Her legacy as a chef, author, and cultural ambassador continues to inspire aspiring chefs and enthusiasts alike, leaving an indelible mark on the culinary landscape.

Recognition & Awards

• She received ‘Cookery Writer of the Year’ by the Guild of Food Writers in 2003.
• She has appeared as a judge at the Guild of Fine Food’s ‘Great Taste Awards’ for the last few years.
• In 2019, she worked with Kew Gardens, and later, she worked with the British Council on ‘How The British Fell in Love With Curry, a historical perspective from 1200 to 2017.’
• She has also appeared as a guest speaker at various events like Welcome Collection, London in 2018, and Cookery Legends cruise around the British Isles in 2019.
• She is a dog lover and has a pet dog Archie.