Dream Big

“Self-belief and resilience” was the answer given by Radha Kaushal-Bolland (G’11) when asked about the secret of her success as a 2022 MasterChef finalist. This is not just applicable to Radha’s recent TV debut, but across multiple facets of life. “You just have to believe you can, work hard and put absolutely everything into it – focus is key.”

Radha was awarded the distinguished CB Fry Scholarship award, a testament to her proven track record of academic commitment and leadership potential.

Radha certainly has the ability to inspire and lead others and is naturally gifted in a variety of fields. She is making a significant contribution as a Repton Role Model and to society beyond the Arch, as well as being a key influencer to the pupils at Repton.

Radha openly admits that her academic performance was, at times, an uphill struggle as she battled with dyslexia. Despite these challenges, she pursued a Law degree close to home in West Yorkshire. When lockdown measures resulted in lectures moving to remote learning, Radha found the pressure of work intensified, leading to hours spent analysing case studies and legal documents in her bedroom back at home with her family. In need of a distraction, she applied her creativity to another passion, and began to create meals for her mother and father as they worked long hours whilst working at Yorkshire Ambulance Service and the University of Bradford respectively.

Cooking, and a love of food, is deep-rooted in Radha’s family, her great-grandfather a baker, and parents regular hosts of parties and large family gatherings. Bringing family and friends together to share food and make memories was something that was part of her childhood and continues to enrich her life today. Home-cooked, finedining is at the core of her new vegetarian private dining business, The Spicy Flexitarian.

Radha looks back on her time in the MasterChef kitchen fondly, in particular the close relationships and friendships that she made during filming. Her first encounter with the MasterChef presenters John Torode and Greg Wallace was when she stepped into the MasterChef kitchen and quickly discovered that they both have their unique strengths - aiming to please them both was a challenge in itself. Radha explains that John understands techniques and the complexity of the dishes that she presented, whilst Gregg appreciates the use of fresh produce and ingredients, representing the taste buds of the wider public opinion.

She discovered a mentor in series presenter John Torode, his unfaltering support providing encouragement throughout the experience whilst “Greg kept the tone light with his series of dad jokes!” laughs the young chef. However, most importantly for Radha, being on MasterChef has given her a platform to educate others about food poverty and sustainability, something she feels incredibly passionate about.

Was it competitive? Were they secretly waiting for their fellow contestants to leave the kitchen, sans apron? “Yes, of course it was a very competitive process but from the outset I knew that I would have to remain focussed on my own creative style of cooking. I had my target set on receiving the coveted MasterChef apron, but then each week I re-calibrated and set a new goal building on my previous experience and continuous improvements. This sheer determination and strategy allowed me to get to the MasterChef Final – something that I had previously only dreamed of achieving.”

And working with celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay...? “Chef Ramsay was incredibly supportive during the visit to his flagship restaurant in Chelsea. Indeed, he is meticulous, has an incredible attention to detail and expects everything to be perfect, but after all it is a three-star Michelin restaurant.”

What was the best moment on MasterChef? “My best and proudest moment was when I was given the honour to cook for members of the Royal British Legion. My great-grandfather was taken as a Prisoner of War during World War 2, and he narrowly avoided being sent to the gas chambers because of his prior training as a professional baker. As a POW, his life was spared as his skills were put to use working in the camp kitchens which ultimately kept him alive. I have always had empathy and kinship with the RBL, who continue to provide a wonderful service with their financial, social, and emotional support to members and veterans of the British Armed Forces and their families.”

So, what does the future hold for Yorkshirebased chef Radha Kaushal-Bolland? Her new business venture is going from strength to strength, alongside regular appearances at food festivals and restaurant takeovers. She has a solid business plan with short, medium and longer-term goals, with plans to produce a series of cookbooks and collaborations with established chefs. Expect to see The Spicy Flexitarian dominate the UK foodie landscape this summer and beyond.

Follow her journey on Instagram @thespicyflexitarian and at www.thespicyflexitarian.com