Baa’s Inspiring Journey: Lost Her Children, Started Food Business at 77, Became YouTube Star and MasterChef India Contestant, Dies at 79
Baa’s Inspiring Journey: Lost Her Children, Started Food Business at 77, Became YouTube Star and MasterChef India Contestant, Dies at 79
Life doesn’t always serve us what we expect. Sometimes, it brings unimaginable loss, heartache, and struggle—but within those very moments, it also plants the seeds for something extraordinary. That’s exactly what happened in the life of Urmila Jamnadas Asher, lovingly known as Baa. From losing all three of her children to becoming a YouTube sensation and MasterChef India contestant at the age of 77, Baa’s journey is not just inspiring—it’s a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the healing power of food.
A Life Marked by Loss
Born in a Gujarati family, Urmila Asher was married at the young age of 19 to Jamnadas Asher. She and her husband were blessed with three children, but fate had other plans. Her daughter tragically passed away after a fall when she was just two years old. Her elder son lost his life to a brain tumor, and her younger son died in a road accident while returning home after delivering a food tiffin. The immense loss of all her children could have broken anyone, but Baa chose to stand strong.
Turning to Cooking as a Lifeline
With a deep love for food and cooking, Urmila turned to her culinary skills as a way to support her family financially. At a time when the burden of survival was heavy, she started a small tiffin service to help make ends meet while her husband worked to support the household. Despite their hardships, the couple ensured that their grandson Harsh never had to compromise on his education or needs.
A Grandmother’s Love and a Life-Changing Accident
The bond between Baa and her grandson Harsh became even more crucial when tragedy struck again. Harsh met with a severe accident that left him with a disfigured upper lip and plunged him into depression. During this difficult period, Baa stood by him like a pillar of strength. Determined to uplift his spirits, she started preparing homemade pickles during the COVID-19 lockdown, which unexpectedly opened doors to a new beginning.
The Birth of “Gujju Ben” Na Nasta and Digital Stardom
With Harsh’s encouragement, Baa launched a homemade snack brand called Gujju Ben Na Nasta, offering traditional Gujarati delicacies. The venture quickly became popular, and on April 15, 2021, the duo took it a step further by launching a YouTube channel to share her recipes and wisdom. The simplicity and authenticity of her content attracted attention from top chefs, including Garima Arora and Ranveer Brar. Even Chef Vikas Khanna later revealed that he referred to her videos when cooking Gujarati dishes.
Making Her Mark on MasterChef India
In her late 70s, Baa made history by participating in MasterChef India, breaking age stereotypes and becoming a symbol of strength for women and senior citizens alike. Though she was the first contestant to be eliminated, her grace, culinary skills, and inspiring story won the admiration of viewers and judges. Her appearance on the show significantly boosted her brand’s visibility and demand.
Building a Legacy from Her Home Kitchen
After MasterChef India, Baa continued to grow her home-based culinary venture, offering snacks and wholesome meals prepared with love and tradition. Her journey from a grieving mother to a celebrated home cook is a testament to how resilience, passion, and family support can turn pain into purpose. This is the story of a woman who faced the worst life could offer, yet found purpose in the simplest of things: her kitchen. What began as a means of survival eventually became a movement that touched millions, proving that it’s never too late to begin again—and sometimes, life’s most beautiful chapters start when you least expect them. After MasterChef India, Baa continued to grow her home-based culinary venture, offering snacks and wholesome meals prepared with love and tradition. Her journey from a grieving mother to a celebrated home cook is a testament to how resilience, passion, and family support can turn pain into purpose.
This is the story of a woman who faced the worst life could offer, yet found purpose in the simplest of things: her kitchen. What began as a means of survival eventually became a movement that touched millions, proving that it’s never too late to begin again—and sometimes, life’s most beautiful chapters start when you least expect them. On April 7, Urmila Jamnadas Asher passed away at the age of 79, leaving behind not just a thriving food business but also an inspiring legacy. She taught an entire nation that dreams don’t come with an expiration date—and that food, when made with heart, can heal even the deepest wounds.
