Chetna Makan was born in Jabalpur in Central India. She has a degree in fashion and worked in Mumbai as a fashion designer before moving to the UK in 2004. Chetna was part of 'The Great British Bake Off' in 2014 and since then has written three books. The first book 'The Cardamom Trail' was a celebration of baking with Indian flavours and her second book 'Chai, Chaat & Chutney' was discovering Indian Streetfood from the four corners of India. Her 3rd book 'Chetna's Healthy Indian' is all about Indian food she cooks at home for her family. She also has a very popular Youtube channel 'Food with Chetna' where she shares her creative flair for all things cooking and baking.
1. Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
For me home is Broadstairs, my husband and I moved here 15 years ago and feel settled and at home here. When it comes to a country, I feel like I have 2 homes one England and India and feel very lucky to be feeling like this.
2. What are your proudest achievements?
There are quite a few moments in my life which I feel proud about and I cant really pick one of them. But coming to my life now I do feel immensely proud of my books and that I am able to introduce Indian food to so many people via my books and Youtube channel.
3. What inspires you?
My family inspires me, my mum who has this love for food and sharing her knowledge. My husband who is so fair and determined, my kids in whom I can see little bits of creativity developing.
4. What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
I cant think of anything really! I have always grabbed the oppurtunites that have been thrown my way and created a path for myself. I try and keep all obstacles and negative energy out of focus.
5. Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My mum and dad for sure.
6. What is the best aspect about your current role?
I love writing about food, about recipes, about making traditional recipes into modern everyday cooking. Meeting new people who share the same passion for food.
7. And the worst?
Not much, just that there are not enough hours in the day!
8. What are your long term goals?
I don't make plans for the future, but I would love to reach out to many more people through my books and Youtube channel.
9. If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I would never be the Prime Minister, not even in my dreams.
10. If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
Hitler because I would like to know what was going on in his head, the questions would be endless but an insight into his thoughts, so many whys and hows?
