On Friday, Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor was spotted at a city hospital along with her father, veteran actor Shakti Kapoor. Paparazzi captured the actress from afar, and the videos soon went viral on social media, sparking concern for the actors. In one of the videos, Shraddha was seen visibly uncomfortable with the paparazzi recording her and her father. Shraddha and Shakti at Mumbai hospital In a clip doing the rounds on social media, Shraddha Kapoor can be seen stepping out of the hospital dressed in a floral shirt and baggy pants. She was also wearing a white face mask. The actress escorted her 73-year-old father to their car and helped him get in. As she headed to get into the car, Shraddha noticed the paparazzi and gestured towards them to stop filming. She signalled “no” with her finger and requested them to stop. Ironically, the same clip soon went viral on social media. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bollywood ADDA (@bollywood_adda_official) Shakti Kapoor on Shraddha doing fewer films Shakti Kapoor recently appeared on the podcast The Powerful Humans, where he addressed claims suggesting that Shraddha has received fewer opportunities compared to Alia Bhatt and Ananya Panday. Responding to this, Shakti said, “Woh picturein hi kam karti hai. Best karti hai. Par paisa zyada leti hai. In sabse zyada paisa leti hai. She does just one or two films a year.” (She does very few films. She picks the best films and charges more than all these people.) Talking about Shraddha’s personality, Shakti shared, “Bahut ziddi hai… She is very stubborn and does what her heart says. She has certain ethics and follows them strictly. We share a great relationship. Sometimes we fight, sometimes we plan holidays, sometimes we discuss films. I am very proud of her—her performances are outstanding. She is a very fine actor.” Shraddha Kapoor’s upcoming movies The actor was last seen in the horror-comedy film Stree 2 alongside Rajkummar Rao. She also recently lent her voice to the character Judy Hopps in the Hindi version of Zootopia 2. Talking about her next projects, mid-day reported that she is a part of Rahi Anil Barve’s Pahadpangira, which reportedly explores themes of feminism against the backdrop of the Sati practice. The actor is likely to not only headline the movie but also be involved in a creative capacity. Barve apparently plans to begin Pahadpangira’s shoot after completing work on his Netflix series Rakt Bramhand. The film is expected to go on floors by mid-2026. Shraddha Kapoor has reportedly started shooting for Eetha, a biopic directed by Laxman Utekar on legendary Marathi folk artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar. mid-day had earlier reported how the film will explore Vithabai’s remarkable journey as a pioneering Lavani and Tamasha artiste.
03 January,2026 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA change in plan There seems to be a shuffle in Bollywood’s release calendar. Bhooth Bangla, Akshay Kumar’s upcoming horror-comedy, has reportedly been postponed from its previously announced April 2 release date. While the makers have yet to make an official announcement, trade buzz suggests the move is part of a larger strategic reshuffle ahead of a crowded festive window. Meanwhile, Emraan Hashmi’s Awarapan 2 is also said to be considering a shift from its April 3 date. Industry insiders claim the makers are keen to avoid a direct clash with the expected box-office storm of Dhurandhar 2, which is tracking massive anticipation, along with the continued post-Eid 2026 dominance of Toxic. An official confirmation on the revised dates is still awaited. Kaps is unstoppable Kapil Sharma After launching his café in Canada, Kapil Sharma has now opened another outlet in Dubai. The Canada based café faced three attacks between July and October 2025, prompting many to assume it would be Kapil’s shortest business venture — unlike his long-standing comedy career. Proving everyone wrong, Kapil announced the Dubai launch with a fun video of him dancing with coffee cups. The caption of his Instagram post read, “From our hearts to Dubai, Kap’s Cafe opens its doors tomorrow. Warm lights, cozy corners, and smiles waiting to welcome you.” He has even introduced a new favourite on the menu: his beloved jaggery-infused lime juice. That’s not all! mid-day had earlier reported that Kapil’s comedy film, Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2, which hit theatres on December 12, 2025, will soon be re-released (Coming back after a washout, December 27). The makers have locked the re-release for January 9. Red flag material (L-R) Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday The promo of upcoming episode of The Great indian Kapil Show has set tongues wagging, thanks to a playful yet pointed red-flag moment featuring Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday as they promoted their film, Tu Mera Main Teri Main Tera Tu Meri. During a game, Kapil Sharma asked them, “[Is it okay] calling your ex despite being in a relationship?” Ananya instantly raises a red flag, looking visibly shocked, while Kartik casually admits, “I do it sometimes.” The moment gets funnier when Ananya smiles and nods in agreement, fuelling chatter, especially since Kartik and Ananya were once rumoured to be seeing each other.
03 January,2026 07:27 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamPratik Gandhi, Rajkummar Rao or Ayushmann Khurrana — producer Anand Pandit is spoilt for choice. He has three candidates in mind to headline the Hindi adaptation of his hit Gujarati film Chaniya Toli (2025), which released last Diwali. While the Hindi adaptation is in the works, the producer also plans to make versions in Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada. Directed by Jay Bodas and Parth Trivedi, Chaniya Toli revolves around a teacher who enlists the help of seven women to rob a regional bank and deliver his own version of justice against corruption. Anand Pandit “I have Pratik Gandhi, Rajkummar Rao, Ayushmann Khurrana on my wishlist as all three are excellent actors and suit the role of the teacher,” begins Pandit, adding that scripting for the Hindi version is underway. “We will finalise a director from the Hindi film industry after [the script is ready]. We are also exploring the opportunity of making it in four South languages with a South star and director. Despite being an independent production, [we may join hands] with somebody. It is the first time that a Gujarati film of mine is being remade in Hindi and other languages,” he smiles. The film, which tackles middle-class financial woes, will resonate with audiences across regions, believes Pandit. “The story is universal. A bank heist can be shown in any language. It is loosely inspired from a true story in the 1970s when farmers faced a massive drought in Gujarat. While localised banks lent money to the farmers, [they charged huge interest rates].” While he hopes to cast an established actor as the mathematics teacher, the seven women in the heist gang will be fresh faces — “from 20-year-olds to a 70-year-old daadi who will be an expert in some field”. “I plan to cast seven new faces from across India for the female roles. We took unknown faces but good female actors even in Chaniya Toli. Our hero is the story; the social message will be a suspense,” he concludes. A still from ‘Chaniya Toli’ Story of ‘Chaniya Toli’ Yash Soni-starrer ‘Chaniya Toli’, produced by Anand Pandit and Vishal Shah, revolves around a mathematics teacher who takes on corruption in a village by robbing a regional bank, along with seven women from the village
03 January,2026 07:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBRMore than a year after businessman Adar Poonawalla acquired a 50 per cent stake in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, another partnership in the Indian film industry has come to fruition. mid-day has exclusively learnt that Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment is joining hands with Hollywood giant Universal Studios, a part of the American company Comcast Corporation. “The talks between the two have been going on for months now. Universal Studios has been quite keen on becoming a force in the Indian film market. The deal has finally [gone through],” informs a source. Excel Entertainment’s 2025 slate included ‘120 Bahadur’ Insiders tell mid-day that Universal Studios has acquired a minority stake, with a larger share remaining with Excel Entertainment as part of the deal. “Excel wants to expand the scale of its productions going ahead. There are big ideas in the pipeline,” shares another source. ‘Superboys of Malegaon’ In 2025, Excel Entertainment released three theatrical films — 120 Bahadur, Ground Zero, and Superboys of Malegaon — and the direct-to-digital film Songs of Paradise. While most of them received critical acclaim, the big-screen releases did not fare well at the box office. In the pipeline, the production house has Don 3, Mirzapur: The Film, and Jee Le Zara, featuring Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra in the lead roles. ‘Ground Zero’ An official announcement will be made on January 5.
03 January,2026 07:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaOn a set marked by star egos and a perfectionist filmmaker, many assume the atmosphere would be nothing short of dramatic. However, that is far from the truth on the sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love and War. Recent rumours suggest an apparent fallout between the actors — Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal — and the director, allegedly delaying the film’s theatrical release. Industry insiders, however, tell mid-day that the film is progressing exactly as planned. “The unit is currently on a scheduled year-end break. This was locked months ago,” says a source from the production team. “Bhansali films are mounted on a massive scale, so any pause is immediately seen as a delay.” An insider familiar with the schedule adds that the remaining shoot will cover “patchwork and VFX because it is a period film, select scenes, and musical portions.” Addressing rumours of frayed equations on set, the source clarifies that “there’s been no fallout”. “These are long, demanding shoots. Ranbir, Alia, and Vicky are fully on board and committed.” Confirming that Love and War will release as scheduled in August this year, the source explains that the shoot will continue for another three months once filming resumes. “They plan to resume by mid-January until March, with post-production moving along parallelly,” shares the source. Rumours we hear... . Creative differences between Ranbir Kapoor and Sanjay Leela Bhansali . The cast is said to be frustrated with repeated delays. The film was initially slated for Christmas 2025, before being pushed to March 2026
03 January,2026 07:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuDirector: Sriram RaghavanCast: Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra. Jaideep Ahlawat, Simar BhatiaRating: 4 stars I COULD watch Ikkis twice. The second time on to notice more. The first time, of course, was to simply feel, and observe. Foremost, Dharmendra; 1 have to say. As if it was a demise foretold, this is the most fitting tribute to a lead actor, who served his audiences for multiple generations and for multiple reasons, without quite acquiring the same aura/acclaim as some superstars of his vintage did, perhaps. Somehow, I assumed, he'd have an extended cameo in the film. It's a full-fledged part, worthy of second billing. Wherein Dharmendra, also a retired Brigadier/Army man, plays the father of late, 1971 Indo-Pak war-hero, 2nd Lt Arun Khetarpal. Khetarpal was 21. So is the war-film on him. In what can also be seen as a road movie, for a trip down memory lane, Brigadier Khetarpal visits Pakistan to attend the centenary celebration of his alma mater, Le. Government College, Lahore the alumni of which, you can see in portraits, include the likes of Balraj Sahni, Dev Anand, BR Chopra. Technically, if it wasn't for the beloved nostalgia that viscerally looms over you as an audience, one could deem Dharmendra's casting as an inspired, but poor choice, too. Consider scenes from the early 1970s in the film, when he was easily the handsomest young Indian onscreen he appears unflatteringly old in these sequences as well. VFX/Al can only fix that much. A tightly woven Ikkis, smartly scripted by Arijit Biswas, Pooja Ladha Surti, and director, Sriram Raghavan, simultaneously flits between three timelines. As in, 1970, 1971, and 2001. The latter portions involve Brig Khetarpal fondly recalling even his childhood crush in Lahore a girl named Husna that, in turn, reminds you of Piyush Mishra's Coke Studio song by the same name, that's a letter to a beloved, in what is today Pakistan. The other thing you observe in Ikkis decidedly a war film; make no mistake-is the immersive, claustrophobic insides of a bloody battle-tank as the Indian Army advances across the border! Khetarpal's formation enters Pakistan through the western front; most likely, headed toward Lahore. As against the cavalry in Raja Menon's recent, Pippa (2023), where the armoured regiment charges through the eastern side, namely East Pakistan (or what's now Bangladesh), during the same war. I felt Pippa, starring Ishaan Khatter, for its stunning war sequences, with the tank regiment wading through water/marshy lands, was a fairly underrated film that, sadly, went straight to OTT (Prime Video). What connects it to Ikkis is, likewise, a fairly green officer, going from training, straight to war (Captain Balram Singh Mehta, in that case). What separates the two films is, chiefly, the writer-director. I mean Raghavan (Andhad hun). He layers this war drama enough to even shine a light on a lot of his muses. One of which is the city of Pune. Raghavan, if I'm not mistaken, read film direction at FTII, Pune. 2nd Lt Khetarpal, of course, went to National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, that's technically Pune-recreated here from 1970.That is, 20-year-old cadet going on dates at the local cinema, watching Billy Wilder's romcom, Irma la Douce (1963), John Guillermin's war-film, The Bridge at Ramagen (1969), picking up a copy of Ernest Hemingway's war-novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940) from Manneys bookstore, the rock-and-roll song at the ballroom is Jaan peh-chaan ho from Gumnaam (1965) that became a huge hit outside India, after the film Ghost World (2001)! The humanising of the characters is complete. The young boy is in love with the niece (Simar Bhatia) of the academy's adjutant. These portions somehow brought to memory my favourite Indian military movie, growing up the equally sobering, Govind Nihalani's Vijeta (1982), also set in the 71 war. Furthermore, on the film's flip side is a gentle Pakistani Brigadier (Jaideep Ahlawat), hosting Dharmendra, as in Khetarpal Sr; picking him from the plane to Pakistan, driving him around...Decades ago, he's the guy on the tank, who took on young Khetarpal. It was December 16, 1971. Which I thought was the day the war ended. TIL: The ceasefire was declared on De-cember 17. Be that as it may, the so-called enemy in this rare war-pic has a human face, and an empathetic brain. By all accounts, Jikkis is a true story. It feels unusually intimate. Sure, wars are political. But deaths and lives remain personal, still. This is to take away nothing from the crackerjack battle scenes starring, among others, Vivaan Shah, Sikandar Kher. The exhilaration is undeniable. As is the subversion. The Dop (Vijay Ganguly) is dope. At the centre of Ikkis is, of course, young Agastya Nanda (The Archies), playing the similarly young, dauntless Arun Khetarpal, India's youngest the Param Vir Chakra. Such a daringly devoted kid although, as his boss (Rahul Dev) on the battlefield tells him, only 'Jung' decides the distinction between bravery, and stupidity. This character's maternal grandfather also served the Army. The same can be said for the actor's nana (Amitabh Bachchan), who is indeed In-dia's greatest superstar. Still, acting is so much about range that only gets proven over time, isn't it? That said, simply as a casting choice it's hard to imagine anyone better for this part. There's such an unvarnished innocence about Nanda's sincere screen presence that no extra drama could so viscerally drive home the film's point. You say yes to the boy. You say no to war.
02 January,2026 11:02 PM IST | Mumbai | Mayank ShekharWife of the late singer Zubeen Garg, Garima Garg, announced the formation of a new trust in the name of the cultural icon of Assam on Friday. The trust was formed to preserve and carry forward his artistic, social and cultural legacy. Garima Garg announces Zubeen Garg Trust This comes at a time when the family is hoping for early delivery of justice in the alleged murder case of Zubeen Garg. Addressing reporters, Garima Garg, along with the singer's family members and associates, noted that she prays that the coming year brings peace and positivity for everyone. She also expressed confidence that justice would ultimately prevail. Announcing the trsut she said, "Zubeen dedicated his life to the people of Assam. It is now our responsibility to uphold his values and take his work forward by following the path he showed." Garima informed that after about three-and-a-half months of consultations, the family, along with close friends and well-wishers, had decided to formally establish the Zubeen Garg Trust. She revealed that as part of the initiative, the family's property at Kharghuli will be handed over to the trust in order to serve as a centre for social, cultural and creative activities that were close to the icon's heart. Garima also thanked Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with the state governmet for the steps taken in the investigation of his alleged murder so far, urging the authorities to expedite the probe to ensure timely justice. About Zubeen Garg Trust As per the family, the trust will operate through three dedicated wings. The Kalaguru Foundation will focus on socio-cultural initiatives, and Abhinaya Performing Arts, an institution earlier founded by the singer in his sister's name, will operate to promote theatre and performance arts, especially among young people. A separate research wing will be looking into documenting and studying Zubeen Garg's life, creative works and his contributions to Assam's cultural and social landscape, including the preservation of his intellectual property. In a press note, the family stated that Zubeen Garg remains deeply embedded in the hearts of the people of Assam while stressing on the need to preserve not just his memory, but also his discipline, ideals and dreams for future generations. The trust will work in the areas of society, culture, nature conservation and youth welfare. The initiative has received support from Zubeen Garg's friends from his student days, members of Assam's cultural, administrative and media circles, and the Zubeen Fan Club, which the artiste fondly referred to as his "army". Meanwhile, the family also said the trust will also focus on public health and welfare, noting that health camps have already been organised in remote areas in Zubeen Garg's name. (With inputs from IANS)
02 January,2026 08:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMarking one of the most defining and emotionally charged moments in its journey, Border 2 witnessed the grand launch of its song ‘Ghar Kab Aaoge’ at Longewala–Tanot, set against the iconic landscape of Jaisalmer. The event unfolded in the presence of BSF jawans and army, turning the launch into a moment of national pride and collective emotion. Ghar Kab Aaoge song unveiled More than a song unveiling, the evening stood as a breakthrough milestone for Border 2, bringing together cinema, music, and real-life courage at one of the country’s most historically significant frontiers. The setting unmatched gravity to the moment, as the song found its first audience among the very men who embody the spirit the film celebrates. With the team that created this evergreen masterpiece, music by Anu Malik, reimagined by Mithoon, additional fresh lyrics by Manoj Muntashir Shukla adding onto the legacy of the original by Javed Akhtar. Together they create a layered, expansive composition that feels collective and deeply human. An impactful song that carries forward an emotional sentiment audiences can deeply connect with. Sung by extraordinary singers Roopkumar Rathod, Sonu Nigam, Arijit Singh, Vishal Mishra, Diljit Dosanjh. View this post on Instagram A post shared by T-Series (@tseries.official) BSF and Army attend song launch The iconic song was launched amongst the actors Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty, along with producers Bhushan Kumar and Nidhi Dutta. Their presence underscored the scale and importance of the occasion, reinforcing the collective commitment behind the film. Unveiled amidst the jawans, ‘Ghar Kab Aaoge’ resonated deeply, its emotion amplified by the environment in which it was launched. The powerful music echoed across the desert frontier, creating an atmosphere charged with pride, gratitude, and shared respect. For those present, it was not merely a song launch, but a moment that reflected the heart of Border 2, love for the nation, brotherhood in uniform, and the quiet strength that defines service. The Longewala–Tanot launch has now etched itself as one of the most significant chapters in the making and promotion of Border 2. It reaffirmed the film’s standing as a prestigious cinematic undertaking and strengthened the emotional bond it has already forged with audiences across the country. The team expressed heartfelt gratitude to the BSF and Army for their presence, warmth, and unwavering service, acknowledging the honour of sharing the film’s music in such a powerful and meaningful setting. More about Border 2 Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 brings together a powerful ensemble led by Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, Mona Singh, Medha Rana, Sonam Bajwa, and Anya Singh. Border 2 is presented by Gulshan Kumar & T-Series, in association with J.P. Dutta’s J.P. Films. Backed by a powerful production team including Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J.P. Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta, and directed by Anurag Singh. Gear up for this monumental saga of patriotism and courage, as Border 2 storms into cinemas on January 23rd 2026.
02 January,2026 08:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActress Pratibha Ranta has finally broken her silence on recent reports which claimed that she is set to star in the Hindi remake of Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda's Telugu hit film Dear Comrade. Reports suggested that the remake is also set to feature Siddhant Chaturvedi in the lead. Pratibha Ranta reacts to starring in Dear Comrade Hindi remake Pratibha took to her Instagram story on Friday, January 2, to clarify the reports. Pratibha wrote, "With due respect, I kindly request all media pages to please refrain from posting or circulating any unverified information and wait for an official announcement. This has been happening with me for quite some time now, with several projects that I am not associated with, which often leads to unnecessary confusion." The Laapataa Ladies star further added, "I would truly appreciate your understanding, cooperation, and continued support in this matter." Dear Comrade Hindi remake Early on Friday, reports emerged claiming Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions had acquired the official Hindi remake rights soon after the release of Telugu film Dear Comrade; however, now they are actively moving the project forward. Sources close to the development confirmed that the studio is pursuing the project ahead. According to insiders, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Pratibha Ranta were the frontrunners for the adaptation, although the casting is not yet locked. A source close to the project said, “Dharma has been keen on revisiting Dear Comrade for a while, but the idea was always to crack the right casting and tone. Siddhant brings the intensity required for the male lead, which became a hit with people after Dhadak 2 [2025]. Pratibha fits the emotional arc of the female protagonist beautifully. She was in talks with the studio for another project and is a good fit for this as well.” The Bharat Kamma-directorial received a mixed box-office response upon release, but developed a strong following over time. The source added, “The Hindi version will retain the emotional core of the original but will be adapted for a pan-India sensibility. Dharma is conscious that the subject is sensitive and relevant even today. This is not being treated as a routine remake. The idea is to reimagine Dear Comrade for a new audience without diluting what made the original special."
02 January,2026 07:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Akshaye Khanna is currently the center of attention, whether it's due to her box office success or the controversy surrounding it. He is receiving a lot of praise from the industry after his role in Aditya Dhar's movie Dhurandhar. Speaking of praise from peers, Nawazuddin Siddiqui gave Khanna a very noteworthy one a few years back. In an interview, the Sacred Games actor once stated that Khanna was the reason he was rejected by many girls since they all preferred him. Here's what Nawazuddin Siddiqui revealed about Akshaye Khanna's charm Sridevi, Akhaye, and Nawaz spoke with NDTV while promoting their movie Mom. Nawaz interrupted the interview to tell a story about his time as a bachelor. He claimed that all of the girls' obsession with Khanna was a big factor in the numerous rejections he experienced while looking for a mate. While Sridevi and the audience are laughing, a quiet and modest-looking Khanna is seen quietly listening to the story. Nawazuddin Siddiqui shared, “I want to share this one thing with everyone. Before I was married, I was trying very hard to court someone. I would try to talk to girls, but they all used to reject me. So I asked all of them, ‘What kind of a man do you like?’ and I am honestly telling you that all those girls were his (Khanna’s) fans.” "I used to ask them, 'What's so special about him?'" he went on. It used to happen that someone would start chatting about his eyes or his grin. He had a sizable fan base and an odd hold over women. "I had?" Akshaye exclaimed, leaping. Nawaz swiftly retracted his remarks, claiming that women still adore him but that he needs make more movies for his admirers to see. Nawazuddin telling Akshaye about his huge female fan following & Akshaye aura Farming as usual 😊byu/EstablishmentAny6339 inBollyBlindsNGossip As Nawaz continued, "All of those fans, and everyone else, want Akshaye Khanna to work again," Akshaye dismissed the remark with a giggle. "He is extremely picky about his job and rarely shows up. We hope he does more movies, else hamari dua hai." Netizens react to the old video "The Mom film promotions interviews were so good to watch," a netizen commented on this resurfaced interview video. One commented, "Lol his reaction after Nawaz accidentally said "thi" and corrected it! Three introverts, never talking over each other, great actors, and giving real insights!" He needs to make another comedy movie soon because he has such wonderful comedic timing. Next, on March 19, Akshaye will make a comeback as Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar 2. In addition, the actor will play Shukracharya in Mahakali.
02 January,2026 07:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCelebrity chef Vikas Khanna recently arrived in Mumbai to shoot for the upcoming season of MasterChef India. Upon arriving in India, the chef expressed health concerns he observed at Mumbai airport. On Friday, he took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and shared a picture of the carpet at the Terminal 2 of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Mumbai. Vikas Khanna highlights issue at Mumbai airport The chef who owns the popular restaurant Bunglow in New York said that the carpet at the International airport poses health risks to people with respiratory problems. While highlighting the problem, he also praised the airport administration for the maintenance, saying removing the carpet will take the airport a step closer to perfection. He wrote on his Instagram stories, “Though I feel that MUMBAI AIRPORT is super efficient….. I STRONGLY request the administration to remove this carpet. It is beyond cleaning. On behalf of every asthmatic & people with bronchial issues, this could be fatal.” Vikas is known for using his voice beyond the kitchen. His note reflects the same empathy and responsibility that define his journey on MasterChef India, a platform that celebrates progress, inclusivity, and care. About MasterChef India The latest episode of MasterChef India sees the father–daughter duo Venu and Avni Sharma stepping on to the MasterChef stage carrying a unique cultural blend. By profession, Venu is involved in farming and runs an advertising agency, while Avni is a food stylist who has grown up absorbing stories, flavours, and aspirations from her father. During their interaction on the show, Chef Vikas Khanna curiously asked, “You guys are doing so well. Why did you choose the MasterChef journey?”. Avni answered with clarity and conviction, “When you go to a restaurant and open the menu, you will find North Indian cuisine, South Indian, Chinese, and Italian. You must have heard all this, but I have a small dream about our community's cuisine, like Karada cuisine. I want to see a restaurant's menu in the wing. So this platform is very important to me”. When Chef Vikas followed up by asking what she would name such a space, Avni replied, “Maybe Karada Spice Box”, Visibly moved, Chef Vikas concluded warmly, “I am in love with this”. Reflecting on their journey, Chef Vikas said, “Most of my life I have spent in countries abroad, the identity of food is not just my representation but it also represents my ancestors as well”. MasterChef India is set to premiere on January 5 on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony Liv.
02 January,2026 06:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
