"You can still be competitive without losing who you are."
In the BBC’s The Apprentice 2026, Rothna Akhtar made a lasting impression on many hearts.
She was noted for her kind nature and her competitive spirit. She pitched her baking business, Rothna’s Bakery, to Lord Alan Sugar.
Although Rothna did not secure Lord Sugar’s investment, she made a strong impression as a candidate.
Rothna also captivated the business magnate’s aides, Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell MBE.
When Rothna was let go from The Apprentice, during the episode, Tim said:
“I really like Rothna. She really is a calming influence amongst some of the chaos that happens.”
Rothna finished the process in the tenth week, with her co-star Karishma Vijay becoming emotional at her departure.
Karishma, who ultimately won the series, said: “I don’t think I would have got this far without [Rothna].”
The owner of a sparkling bakery, Rothna Akhtar, had an exclusive chat with DESIblitz.
In our interview, she talks about her experiences on The Apprentice, her business, and what she feels the baking industry is all about.
What inspired you to create Rothna’s Bakery? What is its mission and ethos?
I’ve always loved desserts – not just eating them, but making them for the people I love.
It actually started with my Nutella Cupcakes, which somehow became a bit of a family staple.
Everyone kept telling me I should sell them, but it took me a few years to really believe I could.
When I finally did take that step, I started small – cupcakes, cheesecakes, truffles and dessert boxes.
I was just figuring it out as I went along.
Over time, that grew into bespoke wedding cakes, all self-taught, with a lot of trial, error, and late nights in the kitchen around my 9 am – 5 pm day job.
For me, baking has always been about more than just the end product.
It’s about bringing people together and celebrating life’s sweet moments (quite literally).
It also became my form of escapism – a way to switch off from everything else and pour my energy into something creative. In a lot of ways, it became my self-care.
That’s really the heart of Rothna’s Bakery: not just creating beautiful cakes, but creating a feeling. Something that brings comfort, joy, and connection.
What made you want to apply for The Apprentice?
I’d always worked part-time alongside my studies, so when I graduated and moved straight into full-time work, baking had to stay a side hustle – bills came first.
I grew up watching The Apprentice with my family and would always say: “I’d love to go on that one day.”
But I never truly had the confidence to apply.
Years went by, and I found myself stuck in that cycle of 9–5 during the day and baking until midnight.
I knew something had to change. One day, I applied on a complete adrenaline-filled whim, and that decision changed everything.
It wasn’t just about getting on the show. It was about proving to myself that I could step into something uncomfortable and back myself.
At the same time, it felt like an opportunity to take my baking from something I squeezed around life into something that could become my life.
How did it feel facing Lord Sugar, Baroness Brady, and Tim Campbell for the first time?
It honestly felt surreal. To go from watching them on TV for years to suddenly sitting in front of them – it’s a feeling I can’t quite put into words.
More than anything, I felt grateful.
These are huge names in business, and to be in a position where they not only knew who I was, but were questioning me and my ideas was an honour I’ll never forget.
People think we have all day to complete tasks, but we really don’t. Everything is extremely time-pressured.
In reality, we probably have about a third of the time it looks like on screen.
That pressure changes everything. Decisions have to be made quickly, and there’s very little room to overthink. It’s a great job that I work well under pressure!
How do you think your conduct and kind character helped you during the process?
Coming from a mental health and well-being background, it was really important to me to stay respectful, no matter how intense things got.
I promised myself I would remain true to myself throughout, and that I did, which I am really proud of.
When there’s mutual respect, the whole experience feels a lot less daunting.
You can still be competitive without losing who you are. I was also really lucky with the girls I shared a room with, especially Karishma.
We clicked from the start. When you share the same values, it goes beyond friendship, and it truly becomes sisterhood.
Karishma was visibly upset when you left the process. Can you tell us more about your relationship and how you feel about her winning?
Karishma is genuinely one of the purest souls I’ve met.
We had each other’s backs from day one, which isn’t always common in such a competitive environment.
She said on the show she wouldn’t have got that far without me, and I feel the same about her – she is one special human.
I was rooting for her from the beginning, and I couldn’t be prouder of her for winning.
She absolutely deserves it, and honestly, this is just the beginning for her.
I know she’s going to go on to achieve so much more.
Do you think the South Asian community needs more bakers?
I don’t know if it’s about needing more bakers, but I do think we need more outlets.
Baking, for me, is a form of self-care. It’s a way to slow down, to create something from scratch, and to feel grounded.
In a world that can feel quite overwhelming, having something that brings you back to yourself is so important.
Whether that’s baking or something else, I think more people, especially within our communities, should feel encouraged to explore creative outlets without judgment.
What advice would you give to entrepreneurs applying for The Apprentice?
You need resilience, like real resilience.
Filming is intense. It’s physically exhausting, mentally draining, and constantly testing you.
You have to be able to keep going, even when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or doubting yourself.
But if you can push through that, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have.
What advice would you give to budding young South Asian entrepreneurs, particularly women?
Don’t let cultural expectations or fear of other people’s opinions hold you back.
Sometimes the idea of starting is more intimidating than actually starting. Once you take that first step, you figure things out as you go.
Stay true to yourself, because whatever you build will always reflect you – your values, your story, your identity.
And that’s your biggest strength.
Rothna Akhtar’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience, purpose, and authenticity can shape meaningful change.
Throughout the interview, her insights reveal not only her professional achievements but also the values that drive her forward.
From overcoming challenges to inspiring others, Rothna Akhtar continues to leave a lasting impact in her field.
As her journey evolves, she stands as a compelling voice worth following—one that motivates, empowers, and redefines success on her own terms.
As she continues to go from strength to strength, DESIblitz wish her all the best.
You can find out more about Rothna and her bakery here.
For bespoke orders, you can email: [email protected].
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