Long before he became a globally renowned culinary icon, Sanjeev Kapoor was the chef our mothers watched religiously on television, carefully jotting down his recipes and trying them on Sundays! That’s how deep his connection with Indian households runs. So, when MasterChef India first hit our screens without Kapoor on the judging panel, many viewers wondered why. Now, the celebrated chef has finally revealed the reason behind his absence from the show’s initial season, and what eventually convinced him to join later.
Why Sanjeev Kapoor Rejected MasterChef India’s First Season?
During a conversation with Vir Sanghvi on Culinary Culture, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor revealed why he chose not to be a part of the first season of MasterChef India. According to the chef, he had one condition for joining the show — he wanted to be paid more than Akshay Kumar, who was one of the judges on the initial season.
It is worth mentioning that Sanjeev Kapoor wasn’t asking for a huge pay gap. He said he only wanted ₹1 more than the actor’s fee. However, the show’s makers weren’t on board with the idea, and the chef decided to walk away from the opportunity.
When the interviewer asked if the demand was an “ego thing”, Chef Kapoor dismissed it completely. Explaining his stance, he said, “There was nobody else who could do it, but me. It was quite obvious.”
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Reveals Why He Joined In Season 3
So, what finally made him join MasterChef India in Season 3? Chef Sanjeev Kapoor shared that after the first two seasons didn’t quite deliver the impact the franchise had hoped for in India, the makers approached him again. This time, they sought his feedback on how to make it work in the country.
The chef realised he couldn’t let such a large food and entertainment ecosystem struggle, as it would also affect aspiring chefs, the business of food, entertainment, and the industry at large. For him, it was important that anything rooted in food succeeds, and that belief ultimately led him to join the judging panel in Season 3.
When Vir Sanghvi jokingly asked if he was paid ₹1 more than everyone else, Kapoor laughed and replied, “Well, obviously, they had to. That was non-negotiable.”
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Honestly, we feel it wasn’t ego, but Chef Sanjeev Kapoor simply recognising his own value, credibility, and what he brings to the table. This is something we all can learn from him!
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@kriti_raj_9911 & Instagram/akshaykumar
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FAQs
Why didn’t Chef Sanjeev Kapoor join MasterChef India Season 1?
He chose not to join the first season due to disagreements over compensation, as he felt his value in the show’s format was not adequately recognised at the time.
What was his condition to join the show initially?
He reportedly wanted to be paid ₹1 more than fellow judge Akshay Kumar, as a symbolic way of asserting his position.
Why did he eventually join MasterChef India Season 3?
After the first two seasons didn’t make the expected impact in India, the makers approached him for feedback and guidance, which led to his involvement in Season 3.