Factual
‘Gourmet on Wheels’ reality show Femme Foodies to air on Living Foodz from 22 May
MUMBAI: Get ready for a culinary adventure this summer, as Living Foodz, one of India’s leading food and lifestyle channel, has introduced Asia’s first food truck reality TV show, Femme Foodies, starting 22 May.
Conceptualised in-house by Living Foodz, the original series is based on the unique concept of ‘Gourmet on wheels’. Femme Foodies is presented by Bertolli, with Suzuki Let’s as the Riding On partner.
Set in picturesque locales in Goa, the show will see a bevy of 10 contestants armed with culinary skills and panache, compete for the ultimate grand prize: a premium, state-of-the-art food truck. The contestants will be seen competing in heart-racing challenges and cook offs and will be judged by Celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar.
Restaurant chain Sodabottleopenerwala’s Chef Manager Anahita Dhondy and the renowned food and wine consultant Chef Shagun Mehra will join Ranveer on the judges panel for the first time on Living Foodz. The three judges will evaluate the contestants on the parameters of vision, expression and technique. Femme Foodies is set to elevate and redefine the food popularly associated with food trucks.
Celebrity chef Ranveer Brar, one of the judges on the show, shares his experience, saying, “Food trucks are here to stay, and can be considered as a viable business option today. It is more than just a trend and the show, Femme Foodies, is a creative representation of the concept today. I will be judging the contestants on the parameter of ‘Expression’, which gives them the opportunity to express themselves on their plate. Passion for food and expression of oneself are one of the key ingredients to a successful dish.”
The food truck trend became popular across Australia, Belgium, Canada, France and Mexico, evolving itself to include gourmet food. Food trucks have also gained popularity in Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad Bangalore and Ahmedabad, which has a dedicated food truck park.
“Femme Foodies is centered around a refreshing concept which celebrates aspiring female chefs and their culinary prowess. It will pave the way for more female talent and opportunities in the food and hospitality space. My advice to any aspiring chef would be to focus on improving their technique and getting the basics right. This was a key criteria for me while judging the contestants on the show. I had a great experience working with the girls and the judges, as we bonded well over our common passion for food!”, said an excited Dhondy.
“Femme Foodies goes beyond the confines of a kitchen and amalgamates gourmet food with talent, scenic locales , fun-filled challenges and food trucks! For me, vision is the key to making a perfect dish and it is important to envision the dish and the way it should be presented before one starts cooking. It was great to see the creativity of the contestants come forth throughout the competition,” Chef Shagun Mehra added.
Commenting on the distinctive format of the show, Living Foodz business head Amit Nair said, “Living Foodz is focussed on offering original and innovative shows that center around the evolving trends in the food and lifestyle space. Our latest offering Femme Foodies is a first-of-it’s-kind show and is a key milestone for our channel. It presents a unique spin around the dishes associated with food trucks. We are excited to introduce two fresh faces on our channel, Chef Shagun and Anahita, who will join Chef Ranveer as a judge.”
Living Foodz created a fun-filled music video, which features the contestants of Femme Foodies. Titled ‘Drive your passion’ the song features Neha Bhasin, Bianca Gomes and is composed by Clinton Cerejo. The music video has received over 1.6 million views so far within a week of it’s launch.
MUMBAI: India’s most famous hot seat is about to welcome an unlikely first-timer. For the first time on Hindi general entertainment television, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla will appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati, the iconic quiz show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
The special episode marks a rare meeting point of boardroom heft and prime-time television, bringing one of India’s most influential business leaders face to face with the country’s most enduring screen legend. It is a crossover that blends intellect, leadership and popular culture, all under KBC’s familiar spotlight.
Birla’s appearance dovetails neatly with the show’s current theme, Jahaan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai, which celebrates the confidence that comes from clarity of thought and knowledge. His presence lends weight to the idea that sharp thinking and conviction are as vital in life as they are in the quiz chair.
In a thoughtful conversation with Bachchan, Birla shared an upbeat view of India’s economic journey, pointing to the nation’s rapid growth and the scale of opportunity opening up across industries and communities. He spoke of momentum, ambition and a future shaped by enterprise and ideas.
The episode is not all serious talk. In lighter moments, Birla confessed his long-standing admiration for Bachchan, calling him his favourite actor and admitting to a touch of nervousness at answering questions in front of the Shahenshah himself. The candour adds a human touch to a man more often seen in headlines than on television sets.
The special episode airs on Monday, 29 December at 9.00 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
