GECs
Star India looks at beefing up top brass
MUMBAI: Star India’s top management seems to be on the move. Considering the expanding business plans of the leading network, Star India is looking at infusing aditional manpower in startegic positions.
Sources close to Star India senior management told Indiantelevision.com the company is in the process of hiring heads for divisions like legal, administration and revenue management.
The sources said that the selection process is on at the moment and the new people are likely to be finalised by month-end.
In a related development, Kaushal Dalal, who was earlier EVP business development and international business, has been moved as EVP strategy ad sales. Dalal, who was earlier reporting to Nitin Atroley, president corporate affairs, will now be reporting directly to Star India COO Sameer Nair.
Another development to note is that of Will Miller, vice president sales, inventory management and operations. His contract is due to end in June. The sources indicated Miller’s contract is unlikely to be extended and that he would be floating his own consultancy firm.
Dalal will have the added responsibility of the inventory management portfolio. Vivek Dhaimade, vice-president, traffic, who was earlier reporting to Kevin Vaz, executive vice-president ad sales, will now be reporting to Dalal.
Star India, reportedly, is also on the look out for a junior management substitute to handle’s Dalal’s previous portfolio.
The industry buzz is that the person likely to head the revenue management division might be from a big FMCG company and once the appointment is completed, both Dalal and Vaz will be directly reporting to him.
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.
