Parveen Ashraf, a renowned figure in the culinary world, is preparing to re-enter the professional sphere following a significant personal loss. Known affectionately as “Parveen the Spice Queen,” she is the host of the popular ITV cooking series “Parveen’s Indian Kitchen” and has written two acclaimed cookbooks. In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, Ashraf opened up about her journey following the tragic death of her husband, Qamar Ashraf, six months ago.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Parveen-Ashraf-tout-71526-d36aaabd1b3747b9b39767051d9ed966.jpg)
In a video posted on 26 June, Parveen Ashraf spoke candidly about the profound impact of losing her husband during a robbery in Ghana in late 2025. Overwhelmed with emotion, she expressed how challenging this period has been, particularly for those who have experienced similar heartache. “Whatever that means, I’m not even sure yet,” she stated, acknowledging her struggle while affirming her intention to gradually return to her work.
The 61-year-old chef reflected on the legacy her late husband would want her to uphold, suggesting that he would discourage her from dwelling in sadness. “I feel that he wouldn’t want me to wallow in self-pity,” she emphasised. Ashraf is determined to honour his memory by resuming her culinary pursuits, promising to share new videos and recipes in the days ahead. She concluded her message with gratitude towards her fans for their unwavering support during her period of mourning.
Parveen’s poignant announcement on Instagram followed an earlier expression of her loss shared on Facebook in December 2025. In that post, she revealed the sudden and tragic circumstances surrounding her husband’s death, remarking that he was “taken from us tragically and suddenly.” She described him as an individual “in the wrong place at the wrong time,” highlighting how unexpected life can be.
The chef offered a glimpse into the depth of her husband’s character, referring to him as a “unique, intelligent, handsome, complicated, deep, quiet man” with a distinctive sense of humour. Her heartfelt tribute illustrated not only the profound love she had for him but also the strong bond they had as partners, cultivated over 38 years of marriage and the shared joy of raising three children together.
Parveen Ashraf has made a name for herself through her television appearances and has become a beloved figure for her ability to connect with audiences through the lens of authentic Indian cuisine. “Parveen’s Indian Kitchen,” which has been airing since 2019, showcases her culinary expertise, exploring various regions and recipes from both India and the United Kingdom. Her cookbooks, “Parveen’s Family Favourites” and “Parveen the Spice Queen,” further reflect her passion for food and family, extending her influence beyond the screen.
Following her announcement on social media, Ashraf expressed her astonishment at the outpouring of support she encountered. Many fans reached out to share their condolences and encouragement, reaffirming the sense of community that can be found during times of grief. This response has provided her with a comforting reminder that she is not alone on this journey.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Parveen Ashraf aims to honour her husband’s memory through her work, using her platform to inspire others while celebrating the rich traditions of Indian cooking. While the path ahead may be challenging, she is armed with love, resilience, and a commitment to sharing her culinary journey with the world once more.
In embracing the future, Ashraf invites her followers to join her in this process of healing and discovery, demonstrating that passion and purpose can coexist even amidst sorrow. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in love, loss, and the shared bonds that connect us all. With determination and an outpouring of affection from her fans, Parveen the Spice Queen is ready to spice up her life once more.