MasterChef India 2023 returns for an exciting new season where culinary maestros Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar, and Pooja Dhingra guide and inspire passionate home cooks through intense culinary showdowns. Inspired by the famous MasterChef Australia, this Indian culinary extravaganza unites talented contestants from diverse regions, all vying to claim the coveted title of India’s MasterChef, along with the prestigious trophy and a substantial cash prize.

The show which kicked off on October 16 saw a special appearance by Garima Arora. She graced the first episode by passing a torch of culinary expertise to the show’s third judge, Pooja Dhingra. She said, “All right, it is me giving the torch to chef Pooja Dhingra, the most talented, most amazing chef ever. Congratulations chef, you are doing a great job.”

The previous season’s finalists, Aruna Vijay, and Gurkirat Singh also graced the show with a brief appearance.

Pooja Dhingra is a renowned pastry chef and the owner of India’s first macaron bakery franchise, Le 15 Patisserie, and the Studio Fifteen Culinary Centre. She is recognized for her notable appearances in various shows, including Baileys with Pooja Dhingra (2020), NoSugarCoat with Pooja Dhingra (2018), and What Women Want (2022).

Reflecting on her culinary journey, Pooja Dhingra became a bit emotional and shared her experiences as a chef and her sentiments about being a part of the show. In her Instagram post, she wrote, “For little Pooja who sat on her kitchen counter and helped mom bake, who packed her orders when she was 13 and for 22-year-old Pooja who was brave to step in the directions of her dreams. It’s been real with so many ups and downs and a new chapter begins on Monday!”

She continued, “I’m nervous, excited, scared and a whole lot of other emotions all rolled into one. Sometimes you don’t need to see the whole staircase to take the first step – I hope and wish I have your love and support as I take a new step in my life. Masterchef India begins on October 16th, 8pm, exclusively on Sony Liv! See you there.”

Meanwhile, Chef Garima Arora pursued her culinary dreams at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and apprenticed under acclaimed chefs like René Redzepi of Noma and Chef Gaggan Anand. She is also the first Indian woman to earn a Michelin star. She was honored as Asia’s Best Female Chef of the Year by World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Hailing from Mumbai, her culinary journey started at a young age assisting her mother in the kitchen. In 2017, Garima opened Gaa, a three-story restaurant in Bangkok, skillfully blending contemporary tasting menus with traditional Indian cooking techniques to create an enchanting tapestry of flavours that captivates diners.