GECs
Kaun Banega Crorepati’s 25th year secures 26 sponsors
MUMBAI: Sony Entertainment Television’s iconic quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 17 has struck a powerful chord with the nation. Its campaign ‘Jahan Akal Hai Wahaan Akad Hai’ aptly echoes the rise of an India that is not only driven by intelligence (Akal) but also carries it with pride (Akad). This season has witnessed an exceptional response from the brand ecosystem, reaffirming KBC’s position as one of Indian television’s most credible and culturally relevant properties.
Maruti Suzuki and the Aditya Birla Group are onboarded as Co-Presenting Sponsors, while the State Bank of India joins as Banking Partner, and Reserve Bank of India as a Special Sponsor, further deepening the show’s association with empowerment and trust.
The Co-Powered By roster includes UPI, Ultratech Cement, Stable Money App, Asian Paints, and Gowardhan Ghee — spanning sectors from digital finance to FMCG. Special Partners secured are Patanjali Dant Kanti, BHIM Payments App, Polycab India Ltd., Dr. Fixit (Pidilite Industries), Vida powered by Hero Motocorp and WinZO Games.
Further strengthening its appeal, Associate Partners include Amazon India, Kalyan Jewellers, Godrej & Boyce, Laxmipati Sarees, Groww, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), National Stock Exchange (NSE), Plasto Tanks and Pipes, Aashirvaad Select Atta, Director’s Elaichi and Bikaji — representing a diverse cross-section of India’s consumer landscape.
KBC continues to be a powerful platform for brands, seamlessly integrating knowledge, inspiration, and wide-reaching impact.
At the heart of the show is, as always, the legendary Amitabh Bachchan whose iconic presence and effortless camaraderie with the contestants breathe life into every story from the hotseat.
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.
