She was the first MasterChef Winner worldwide to have an official MasterChef Cookbook[9] in her name and has written two more cookery books Barbie- I am a Chef, and Chicken from my Kitchen (Bloomsbury Publishing) Born on 14 July 1971 in New Delhi to Vinod Khanna and Priya Khanna, Pankaj is the elder of their two children with one younger brother.

Pankaj is a part of Microsoft Lumia 535 Digital Campaign where along with Kangana Ranaut and Saina Nehwal, she encourages people to follow their dreams in an inspiring film titled "Ashaiyen"[17] Pankaj is also the face of the Brand Knorr- Cup a soup, Soups and Noodles and has shot an extensive TV Campaign and Print Campaigns for Knorr.

She was also the face of Taaza Tea,[20] HUL, activity- Huunar Apka, Pehchaan Hamaari, an effort to recognise the hidden talents in women from small towns in Uttar Pradesh.

Her other Brand Associations include Samsung Smart Oven, Kent Juicer & Pasta Maker, Sensodyne, Reliance Fresh, Kelloggs and Tefal.

The Culinary Court - This restaurant is part of the Hotel Clarks Avadh in Lucknow, where Chef Pankaj has crafted a menu that celebrates Awadhi cuisine.