GECs
Sanjivani lives to be 100
MUMBAI:Hospital drama turned romantic soap Sanjivani – A Medical Boon will be completing its 100 episodes on 17 December. What started as the story revolving around the lives of four medicos beginning their internship at Sanjivani hospital, turned into the complicated love triangle of Dr Rahul, Dr Juhi and Dr Simran and now into one of the most popular weekly Indian serials, guided of course by the TRPs.
Come February 2004, some fresh interns and a ‘refreshing change’ in the storyline are lined up to perk up some more interest in the show.
The man behind Sanjivani, Cinevistaas’ creative head Siddharth Malhotra comments, “It is unlike any other show on TV. Although, it is not hospital-oriented as we meant it to be at the start, it still has elements which regular shows don’t offer. It is a young love story and its selling point is its freshness. The credit of its success goes to the entire team involved in making this show. It works because even after 100 episodes, every person on that team puts as much effort now as they did on the first episode.”
Star Plus’ Neerav Vaidya, creative head for Sanjivani agrees. He believes that the credit of its success lies in the unique mix of romance and medical issues. “Even the glamour we do is understated and does not resemble the typically loud saas bahu dramas. Rahul and Juhi have become icons in their own way. Viewers return every Wednesday because they identify with the characters,” he says.
So what’s on the cards for Sanjivani now? A 20-year leap with Rahul and Juhi’s children becoming doctors with the same ideals? Malhotra answers, “We are trying to get new interns into the show but we are finalising things with Star Plus. Whatever we do, the basic plot involving Rahul and Juhi will not change. Their love story will mature into something different. But when that will happen I can disclose only after a short while.”
Without revealing much, Vaidya also briefly outlines his vision for Sanjivani. “We are planning a refreshing change. You can watch out for it maybe around end of February next year.”
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.
