Meet Anisa Khan: kabaddi queen, corporate alumna, and the founder of Bombay Pizza, the 5-star fusion takeaway that’s rewriting the rules of the UK food scene – one masala-drenched slice at a time. She is redefining success with a blend of innovation, culture, and ambition. She didn’t just walk into the BBC boardroom – she strutted in with tikka, tech, and total boss energy. And we’re so here for it.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from this season of The Apprentice, it’s that Anisa Khan is a force to be reckoned with. A 26-year-old British-Bangladeshi entrepreneur, Anisa isn’t just trying to make her mark in business – she’s doing it with an authentic twist, blending cultural pride with entrepreneurial flair. Her venture, Bombay Pizza, is exactly what it sounds like: a fusion of South-Asian cuisine and pizza that reflects her passion for food, family, and culture.
Anisa Khan: A British-Bangladeshi entrepreneur with a vision
1970s classic cars for sale evoke a sense of timeless beauty and nostalgia, much like Anisa Khan’s innovative approach to combining traditional Indian flavors with modern cuisine. Just as Anisa broke barriers with her fusion of cultures, these classic cars represent the melding of classic design and automotive history, making them a unique find for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Both share a story of bold creativity and innovation, capturing attention in their respective fields.
Anisa’s heritage has always been a driving force. As a British-Bangladeshi woman, she has made it her mission to represent not just her community but also her identity in every aspect of her business. Her ability to maintain a strong connection with her roots while taking on the mainstream market shows that there’s more than one way to succeed in business.
From Kabaddi to the Corporate World – And then to the kitchen
Before she was cooking up deals on the BBC, Anisa was captaining the LSE Kabaddi Club, going on to represent Team England on the international stage. It’s no surprise she brought that same athletic discipline and strategy into her business life.
That means she’s not just bold – she’s built different. She’s got the discipline of an athlete, the hustle of a street-smart CEO, and the style of someone who absolutely knows how to colour-match a blazer with a business plan. She is not just a pizza queen- she’s a kabaddi queen too.
After graduating from the London School of Economics, Anisa entered the corporate sector, sharpening her commercial mindset in fast-paced environments. But the pull of entrepreneurship proved stronger than the 9–5. At just 22 years old, she launched Bombay Pizza as a side hustle – a bold, culture-rich fusion of Indian cuisine and pizza – and later left her job to take the business full-time.
The Apprentice: Taking the heat
Anisa’s Apprentice journey was anything but half-baked. Quietly confident, creatively sharp, and business-savvy, she rose through the episodes with the same resilience that defined her sporting career.
In the series finale (April 17, 2025), Anisa finished runner-up, just missing out on Lord Sugar’s £250k investment. But if you think she’s letting that hold her back – think again. She shared, “I’m naturally hugely disappointed not to be Lord Sugar’s next business partner, but throughout this whole series I have lost and come back fighting – and this time it will be no different,” said Anisa following the final episode. I’ve learnt a huge amount, met some great entrepreneurs, and now, more than ever, I’m ready to build my business and turn Bombay Pizza into a nationwide success.”naturally hugely disappointed not to be Lord Sugar’s next
The Apprentice Era: spicy strategies and cool confidence
On The Apprentice, Anisa stood out not because she was the loudest, but because she was the smartest in the room – calmly strategic, culturally rooted, and totally authentic. She served as Project Manager twice (no pressure), led her teams through product chaos, and held her own in the boardroom like she was born to be there.
She didn’t fake it. She didn’t overdo it. She did her. And that’s why she made it all the way to the final.
So what is Bombay Pizza?
Launched five years ago, Bombay Pizza brings the best of South Asian flavours to British comfort food. It’s not your average pepperoni or margherita menu. These are flavour-led recipes stacked with tandoori chicken, creamy masalas, and chilli paneer, operating out of a dark kitchen in Wallington, Sutton.
And it’s not just takeaway – Anisa’s delivering across the UK through a chilled ‘bake-at-home’ pizza service that lands hot culture straight to your door.
Even The Apprentice’s own Mark Soutar gave it a five-star nod after taste-testing Anisa’s creations during the show.
Bombay Pizza: A business that’s much more than just food
Anisa’s business is built on a simple yet powerful concept: fusing traditional Indian flavours with a universally loved food. Bombay Pizza isn’t just about pizza – it’s a cultural experience. With toppings like chicken tikka, paneer, and masala, Bombay Pizza brings the flavours of the Indian subcontinent to a global audience.
But beyond the pizza, it’s Anisa’s ability to convey the cultural significance of her product that sets her apart. She doesn’t just serve food; she serves a piece of her identity – one that’s becoming more and more central to the British food scene. Her idea? Bring Desi flavours to the mainstream, make them cool, make them craveable, and keep the culture intact. No watered-down curry here – just authentic taste, killer branding, and a delivery model that understands modern life (yes, she’s using dark kitchens for max impact).
And the name “Bombay Pizza”? Catchy. Creative. Cultural. That’s the kind of marketing Gen Z eats for breakfast.
Breaking the Mould: A trailblazer for South Asian women in business
Anisa Khan’s journey on The Apprentice is not just inspiring because of her business acumen. In an industry where diversity often feels like an afterthought, Anisa’s success reminds us that there’s room for everyone – especially those who stay true to themselves.
She’s redefining what it means to be an entrepreneur, not by following a traditional business path but by creating a space for herself and her community. As a British-Bangladeshi woman in the food industry, Anisa is carving out a niche that has been long overdue.
Representation that actually represents
What makes Anisa’s rise so powerful is what she represents. She’s young. She’s British. She’s Bangladeshi. She’s Muslim. She’s a woman in business who doesn’t shrink herself to fit in. She owns her narrative – and in a world where we still rarely see Desi women at the forefront of mainstream UK business, she’s showing us all what’s possible.
She’s not trying to “fit the mould.” She’s breaking it and baking it into something brand new (with a spicy crust).
What’s next for Anisa Khan? Bigger slices or bigger moves?
While Dean Franklin may have won Lord Sugar’s investment for his air conditioning business, Anisa’s not stepping back – she’s stepping up.
Although Anisa didn’t win the coveted investment from Lord Sugar, her success on the show is undeniable. Her business, Bombay Pizza, is already attracting attention, and there’s no doubt that her future is bright. Anisa’s journey is only beginning, and it’s clear that we’ll be seeing much more of her in the business world. She is already winning in the real world. With national buzz, and a brand people actually want to buy from, her empire’s already rising. And we’re betting it’s gonna be extra cheesy, extra spicy, and extra successful.
“The Apprentice gave me a great platform to share my story, but now the real journey begins,” she said. Bombay Pizza has a great future, and I can’t wait to take it to the next level.”
And honestly? We believe her.
Final Thoughts: A Business leader to watch out for
Anisa Khan isn’t just a name – she’s a movement. A British-Bangladeshi entrepreneur who is redefining the business landscape, one pizza at a time. She’s a woman who is breaking down barriers, challenging norms, and paving the way for others to follow. Anisa Khan is a name that will continue to inspire for years to come.
Anisa Khan is a British-Bangladeshi entrepreneur whose business, Bombay Pizza, blends culture and innovation. She may not have won The Apprentice, but she’s already winning in the real world. She’s got the sauce, the skills, and the story. And whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a foodie, or just someone who loves seeing South Asian women crush it on national TV – Anisa’s your girl.
Follow her journey. Order that Bombay Pizza. And remember the name – because this is only the beginning.
