Sony Pictures Network India Shakes Things Up with Celebrity MasterChef India
Sony Pictures Network India is set to redefine reality TV with an exciting revamp of two iconic shows—Shark Tank India and MasterChef India. While Shark Tank India will now stream exclusively on Sony LIV, MasterChef India is taking the reverse route, making a grand return to television under a brand-new format: Celebrity MasterChef India – Ab Unn Sabki Seeti Bajegi!

The culinary show promises to be bigger, bolder, and more entertaining with a star-studded lineup of contestants and judges. The trailer, unveiled on December 21, introduces the celebrated judging panel featuring Farah Khan, Ranveer Brar, and Vikas Khanna, along with confirmed celebrity contestants like Gaurav Khanna, Tejasswi Prakash, Dipika Kakar, Rajiv Adatia, Nikki Tamboli, Archana Gautam, Faisal Shaikh, and Usha Nadkarni.

What’s New in Celebrity MasterChef India?
Celebrity Contestants:
Moving away from home chefs, this season features well-known personalities, adding glamour and mass appeal to the show. From actors to influencers, these contestants promise entertainment beyond just cooking.

A Power-Packed Judging Panel:
Bollywood choreographer and director Farah Khan brings her flair to the table, alongside renowned chefs Ranveer Brar and Vikas Khanna, ensuring expertise and entertainment in equal measure.

Celebrity Crossover Appeal:
Farah Khan’s popular YouTube cooking vlog, where she collaborates with celebrities, makes her the perfect choice to attract diverse viewers. Her history as a judge on hit Sony shows like Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega and Indian Idol further solidifies her relatability.

Expanded Sponsorships:
Major brands like Veeba, acko, GIs of India, Fortune Chakki Fresh Atta, Bosch, and Vinod have already come on board, indicating high advertiser confidence in the revamped format.

Strategic Shift: From Digital to TV
After experimenting with a digital-only format on Sony LIV, where it aired fresh episodes five days a week at 8 PM, MasterChef India now returns to television to capture a larger audience base. Sony aims to blend its digital success with mass viewership, a formula expected to appeal to both advertisers and audiences alike.

In 2024, Sony acquired Tamil and Telugu versions of the show from Sun Network, exclusively streaming them on Sony LIV. However, the tepid advertiser response prompted a reevaluation, leading to this strategic shift for the Hindi version.

Why Celebrities?
Introducing celebrity contestants follows a successful trend in Indian reality TV. Colors TV’s Laughter Chefs found massive success with a similar strategy, drawing 13.6 crore viewers and impressive digital engagement with 2.2 billion impressions.

By featuring celebrities, MasterChef India aims to combine cooking with entertainment, enhancing its mass appeal and social media buzz.

What’s Next?
Sony is banking on the revamped Celebrity MasterChef India to draw strong TV ratings while maintaining its digital footprint. With an engaging format, celebrity power, and a festive vibe, the show is poised to capture hearts and kitchens across India.

Author: Sania Khan