Culinary enthusiasts, get ready! MasterChef India, one of the most beloved and longest-running reality shows on Indian television, is set to return with a brand new season, promising a unique twist. The show has consistently captured hearts nationwide with its intense challenges, inventive food tasks, and the extraordinary culinary creations of its talented contestants. Each season has introduced fresh and exciting elements, ensuring the format remains engaging for its viewers.
This time around, MasterChef India is ditching the individual cooking format and embracing a team-based approach. The upcoming season will feature duo participation, where two individuals will form a team and compete together. These "jodis" will need to combine their creativity, skills, and teamwork to craft challenging dishes and prove they deserve to win the coveted trophy.
The makers of the show recently released a promo teasing this exciting new format, hinting at a season filled with surprises. The promo highlights the essence of the new theme: "MasterChef ke brand new season mein contestants ayenge jodiyon mein! Jinke haathon mein hoga 100 percent desi swaad, jit wahi hoga jo hoga haqdar. Toh ho jaaye tayyar banne India ki pehli MasterChef jodi". This translates to: "In MasterChef's brand new season, contestants will come in pairs! The one with 100 percent desi flavor in their hands will be the rightful winner. So, get ready to become India's first MasterChef Jodi". The new season is being called "Shudh Desi Jodi".
Before this upcoming season, fans enjoyed a "Celebrity MasterChef" season. Celebrities like Tejasswi Prakash, Gaurav Khanna, Dipika Kakar, Archana Gautam, Nikki Tamboli, and comedian Chandan Prabhakar were part of the season. Singer Abhijeet Sawant, model Faisal Shaikh (Mr. Faisu), and YouTube personality Kabita Singh also joined. The season premiered on January 27, 2025, and concluded on April 11, 2025. Filmmaker Farah Khan hosted the season, while chefs Vikas Khanna and Ranveer Brar were the judges. Actor Gaurav Khanna emerged as the winner of "Celebrity MasterChef", showcasing his culinary talent and creativity.
The move to bring MasterChef India back to television with a celebrity twist highlights the importance of catering to diverse audience preferences. Sony Pictures Network India is experimenting with its reality shows. While Shark Tank India is moving exclusively to Sony LIV, MasterChef India, which was previously an OTT-only show, will now be broadcast on television.
The eighth season of MasterChef India aired exclusively on Sony LIV in 2024 as part of the network's digital strategy. However, the regional Tamil and Telugu editions on Sony LIV did not attract advertisers, prompting Sony to change its approach. The decision to bring the show back to television with celebrity contestants aimed to broaden its appeal and attract stronger viewership for advertisers.
Farah Khan, known for her engaging YouTube cooking vlogs, joined chefs Ranveer Brar and Vikas Khanna as judges. The confirmed contestants included Gaurav Khanna, Tejasswi Prakash, Dipika Kakar, Rajiv Adatia, Nikki Tamboli, Archana Gautam, Faisal Shaikh, and Usha Nadkarni.
As MasterChef India prepares to return with its "Shudh Desi Jodi" format, fans eagerly anticipate the dynamics and culinary battles that will unfold. The show's legacy of innovation and its ability to adapt to changing audience preferences has kept viewers engaged. The blend of cooking, teamwork, and desi flavors promises a season filled with entertainment and culinary excellence.
