I have a lot of female fans: Ripudaman Handa

Says reality TV show winner Ripudaman Handa in a chat
Delhi dude Ripudaman Handa who became the youngest winner of Masterchef Kitchen Ke Superstars seems to have become a mini celebrity of sorts almost overnight, as he signs autographs with female fans and even poses for pictures with them.
Ripu (as he’s best known), who was in Ahmedabad recently for an event organised by good friend and co-contestant, Shivani Mehta claims to have “a lot of fans” from the city and was keen to “interact with them.I realise that I have a lot of female fans. I respect the fact that they like me and have supported me, even making me win.”
Contrary to his screen image, Ripu turned out to be an extrovert who loved posing for the lensmen and even chatted animatedly with us. Says Ripu, who has been to Ahmedabad before, “The last time I came here was during the show and was in no mood to do any sight seeing. This time around I’m here for a friend and it feels wonderful when people on the streets recognise me.”
Ripu’s culinary journey began when he was in school and like a true blue Punjabi he has been a foodie since childhood. He says, “The first time I whipped up a meal was when I was in Class VIII. I cooked for my mom and sister-in-law during karwa chauth and ever since I’ve been cooking their karwa chauth meals every year!”
After Class X, Ripu used to participate in different events earning 150 per day. “I was a typical well built Punjabi munda and weighed 115 kilos. In Class XII, I decided to join a gym. That turned into a passion and my brother offered me a job as an instructor. I have been working for three-four years now and love gymming, cardio exercises and practice yoga.”
Ask him how life has changed after winning the show, he laughs and says, “Life has changed completely. All of a sudden I have become very busy. There is so much to do all the time that I don’t even get time for my family. I have given the prize money to my parents. I am not planning to start a restaurant immediately because I want to learn more about food. However, I am still a gym trainer because I believe a well toned physique and good food go hand in hand. My gastronomic journey has just started; there’s is a long way to go. Right now my life and wife are food, glorious food!”