GECs
UTV to distribute ‘Parineeta’
MUMBAI: UTV has acquired the all-India distribution rights of Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Parineeta for around Rs 110 million.
The movie, directed by ad man Pradip Sarkar, is scheduled for release on 20 May. Parineeta stars Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan and Raima Sen.”UTV is paying Rs 110 million for domestic distribution of Parineeta,” says a source.
UTV will also have the Miramax titles to distribute from 1 April. The company has got 10-year rights to 130 movies for $800,000 (approximately Rs 35 million).
UTV has acquired the international distribution rights of Virudh for Rs 95 million, according to industry estimates. The last two movies UTV had distributed were Lakhsya and Swades.
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.
