MasterChef is a global cooking show phenomenon that began in Australia but has since gained popularity for its many regional versions. MasterChef India which first aired in 2010 has been the launchpad for many new faces in India’s culinary scene such as Pankaj Bhadouria, Natasha Gandhi and Oindrala Bala. This year the show’s back with Season 8 and a new set of fresh faces ready to wow the judges with their creations.
Let’s get to know this year’s line-up and the home chefs that will be competing in Season 8 of MasterChef India:
Harish Closepet
This 58-year-old entrepreneur from Bangalore started his career as a businessman but found a life in food along the way. Today, he’s best known for his hit platform, Harry’s Lunchbox where he shows off healthy, easy-to-make dishes that he cooks for his daughter and wife.
Kaushalya Choudhary
Hailing from Bhopalgarh, Jaipur, this home chef has built a thriving social media following who love her traditional recipes and her passion for cooking. Teaching people the art of Marwadi cooking and her family recipes, she’s a YouTube sensation with over a million followers.
Kenneth G
18 Year old Kenny may be the youngest chef to ever compete in the MasterChef India kitchen, but he has the passion to back it up. His life looks much like any other 18-year-old but he’s always had a desire to pursue his love for cooking.
Kriti Dhiman
Kriti Dhiman, a 23-year-old home baker from Gobindgarh in Punjab, she’s an avid baker and loves cooking up new recipes for her family. She’s hoping to wow the judges with her dessert skills this season.
Mohammed Aashiq
A native of Mangalore, this 24-year-old has always had a passion for food, but due to financial constraints, was not able to pursue his Hotel management dream. Instead, he turned entrepreneur and opened his own juice shop to showcase his creativity and is now returning to the MasterChef kitchen.
Nambie Jessica S. Marak
A Meghalaya native, the 30-year-old school principal is passionate about sharing the treasures of her hometown. She specialises in Khasi tribal fare and is now being lauded on social media with the hashtag #TheTribalChef.
Nidhi Sharma
A Bank Manager from Solan, Himachal Pradesh, Nidhi has always had big dreams of entering the culinary world. She’s showing the world that despite Himachali cuisine appearing simple, it has a lot of complexity and most importantly, a lot of heart.
Prachi Agarkar
Coming from a business management and human resources background, Prachi found her passion in cooking and has gone on to share her wealth of knowledge about Maharashtrian cuisine. This Mumbai local is on a mission to share her regional cuisine on a global stage.
Dr. Rukhsaar Sayeed
A PhD in food technology and an entrepreneur leading Khalis Food this Kashmiri native made a splash as the fist woman representing her state in the MasterChef kitchen. She specialises in nutritious, and delicious treats that showcase her culinary skills.
Subhojit Sen
Kolkata is an emotion in itself and contestant Subhojit Sen is bringing it to MasterChef this year. Inspired by street vendors tossing noodles while still in school, he embraced the art of cooking and has immersed himself in the world of the culinary arts.
Suraj Thapa
This 28-year-old home baker and BSc graduate’s love for the culinary arts began in a modest room in Siliguri. Here, he explored the realm of flavours and culinary innovation. Suraj, who came from a humble background, discovered comfort in the kitchen, especially during the lockdown.
Sima Ahmed
At 57 this pop-up chef from Kolkata is living out her dream. She always had a love for food and a desire to be MasterChef contender. She loves cooking recipes from her hometown of Faizabad and specialises in the traditional Awadhi techniques.