11 May,2026 02:28 PM IST | Mumbai | Nandini Shah
Kunal Kapur. Pic via special arrangement
Chef Kunal Kapur, who has been the judge of several seasons of MasterChef India, revealed why he loves coming back to the show season after season in an exclusive conversation with mid-day.
For Kunal Kapur, returning to the MasterChef India kitchen is less about the format and more about the people who walk into it. Kapur says the show continues to surprise him because each contestant brings a new story, perspective and passion for food.
"What keeps it fresh for me is the people. Every season, you meet new contestants with different stories and a genuine passion for food, it brings a new energy every time. Food is also constantly evolving, so there's always something new to see and learn. And honestly, watching someone grow through the journey, from a home cook to a confident cook, is something that never gets old. That's what keeps me coming back."
When asked about his off-screen camaraderie with fellow judges Vikas Khanna and Ranveer Brar, Kapur said that their chemistry is built on years of friendship and shared experiences.
"I think it comes from the fact that the three of us, Ranveer, Vikas, and I, have known each other for a very long time. Ranveer and I go back to the very start of our journeys; we've even been roommates. With Vikas too, it's been years of association, especially through MasterChef, nearly 15-16 years now. So, whether we're on-screen or off-screen, there's a natural camaraderie and fun that comes through. We're completely serious when it comes to our work, but in those in-between moments, we instinctively fill the space with fun and banter. As they say, we're a bit of a badmaash team, we refuse to grow up."
Discussing the changes he has observed in the food industry, Kapur said that the impact of social media is impossible to ignore, both in restaurants and on television cooking competitions.
"Dining today is influenced by what people see and share, there's clearly a âcamera-first' mindset, and that naturally shapes what ends up on the plate. Chefs and restaurants often respond to what the masses are drawn to, which is why presentation and visual appeal have become so important. At the same time, there are chefs who consciously choose to go against that tide and stay true to their own philosophy, which comes with its own set of challenges.
"MasterChef India also reflects this shift. The contestants aren't professional chefs but passionate home cooks who are influenced by what they see around them, whether it's in restaurants or on social media. So, you do see a stronger focus on dishes that are visually striking and engaging. The storytelling, the plating, the final presentation, it all becomes part of the experience they try to recreate on the show. It really mirrors how food culture is evolving today."
