GECs
Sony’s Stringer on maiden India visit as SET turns 10
MUMBAI: After the Murdochs, Eisners and Igers of the world, it’s now time for Sony Corp’s first non-Japanese chairman and CEO Howard Stringer to come on a visit to India.
Stringer, who took charge in March this year, will be here on 20 October. One among the other reasons for his visit: to participate in the 10-year celebration party of Sony Entertainment Television (SET) India, which is going to be held in Mumbai on 22 October at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.
According to information available with Indiantelevision.com, Stringer will first be in Delhi, on 20 October. He is seeking to meet senior government functionaries including prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh and information and broadcasting minister Jaipal Reddy. He is also likely to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra during his hectic stay here.
Stringer will reach Mumbai on 21 October, it is learnt. Apart from meetings with SET India executives, he will also have interaction with Sony Music and Sony Pictures Releasing of India Ltd (earlier Columbia TriStar Films of India), which is Sony Pictures Entertainment’s film distribution arm. He is also likely to meet executives from Sony Corp’s consumer electronics division.
Stringer will leave India on 23 October, sources say. He has been quoted in Forbes as saying, “In October, I’ll be on the road for three and a half weeks — in India, in China, twice in Tokyo.”
GECs
Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe win Masterchef India season finale
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor joins judges for emotional MasterChef finale
MUMBAI: The latest season of MasterChef India concluded on a high note, with brothers Vikram Gandhe and Ajinkya Gandhe crowned winners in the grand finale aired on Sony Entertainment Television.
The duo from Nagpur lifted the coveted trophy and donned the show’s signature golden apron after a season that celebrated India’s diverse culinary traditions under the theme “Pride of India”.
This edition of the popular cooking reality show introduced a new jodi format, with 50 pairs from across the country competing in the Masterchef kitchen. Contestants brought personal stories, regional flavours and family bonds to the competition.
The grand finale featured the final three pairs: Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe (brothers), Saisree and Chanda (mother and daughter), and Anju and Manju (sisters).
The finale was attended by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who joined the show’s judging panel comprising Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapur.
Kapoor said the show has long served as a platform to celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage and provide passionate home cooks with a national stage. He noted that the current season reflected a confident India that takes pride in its roots while embracing new culinary ideas.
Judge Vikas Khanna said the contestants’ journeys and the memories created during the season would remain with the team long after the show’s conclusion. Ranveer Brar described the show as a family that continues to grow with every season, while Kunal Kapur praised the contestants’ creativity and determination.
With the finale now concluded, the latest season of MasterChef India once again highlighted how food can reflect identity, heritage and storytelling, inspiring home cooks across the country to pursue their culinary ambitions.
