GECs
First ever Kiwi Indian comedy series airs on Triangle Television
MUMBAI: This is an initiative that targets NRIs living in New Zealand. The 60,000 or so members of Auckland’s Indian community and all who enjoy a good laugh, are in for a treat.
The first-ever locally-made Kiwi Indian comedy series Desi Jamura Videshi Khel which translates as ‘Caught in a Foreign Web’ debuts on Triangle Television on 10 March at 8.30 pm and will have a 13 week run every Thursday.
The migrant tale, produced by Dr Rachel Singh of Dreamz Productions, will be in Hindi, with English subtitles. It deals with an Indian immigrant student, Akshat, whose life is full of challenges and quirky twists. Akshat quickly learns that the way he deals with the predicaments thrown his way can influence the direction his life takes.
Mandeep Singh was spotted for the lead role of Akshat while dancing at a wedding. He has made the unusual transition from flipping burgers to becoming the first Indo-Fijian actor to take the lead in a New Zealand television series.
Dr. Rachel Singh says, “We filmed on two locations a day, and did lots of night scenes. So we worked for about 18 hours each day. We gave the timing to the cast in advance so they could be available.” The 20 odd cast and crew members are all Indians living in Kiwi land.
Preparation for filming took about six months beginning in March 2004. Then, with a tight plan in place and a cast of 11 actors, the Dreamz team launched into filming the first series of 13 half-hour episodes in just seven days.
Triangle Television is Auckland’s only regional, non-commercial television station. It has operated as a public broadcaster to Greater Auckland since 1 August 1998. The channel screens a mix of regional-access television with international news and information programmes.
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.
