MUMBAI: Sanjeev Kapoor ruled the Indian television industry as if he were the only person in the industry, judging just two seasons of Masterchef India. Although the chef joined the show in season three as a judge, many people are unaware that he was also considered for the cooking show.
A recent interview with Siddharth Kannan saw Kapoor discuss his experience of being replaced solely on the show after initially being dropped because of Akshay Kumar's presence.
In the first two seasons of the show, Khiladi Kumar served as a judge, and Sanjeev was asked to participate as a co-judge. “When MasterChef came, we had already done a show and saw what the future looked like for it,” the chef revealed that he was told that one judge had already been signed as soon as he began speaking with the producers.
According to Sanjeev, he was told that there was no bigger Chef than him back then even in the top 100 so they signed an actor - Akshay Kumar. Sanjeev asserted, “He’s a dear friend, brilliant guy, great professional.” When the makers told him that they wanted him as well alongside Akshay, he said, “Very good, I am very happy but I have only one condition. Whatever you are paying him, I will charge Re 1 more.”
They were completely stunned by this, and Sanjeev's explanation was “This is my field.” The showrunners didn't sign him that season, but they gave him a second chance in season 3. “They decided to replace Akshay Kumar. I signed the show on my terms,” Kapoor revealed. The same financial requirements could not be met because Akshay had left the show.
"So I signed the show, and I did a few seasons but time to effort to return, that ratio did not match," concluded Kapoor.
The superstar hosted Masterchef India for just one season with Kunal Kapur and Ajay Chopra. Vikas Khanna took Akshay's place until Sanjeev Kapoor took Ajay Chopra's place in the third season. MasterChef India has completed eight seasons thus far. Following Sanjeev Kapoor's exit, several chefs have come and gone, with Vikas Khanna and Ranveer Brar remaining on the show for the longest.
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Credit- Pinkvilla
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