GECs
Michael Jackson’s parents speak out on Star World
MUMBAI: Michael Jackson’s trial will kick off any moment and just before his trial, his parents, Katherine and Joe Jackson are holding out hope and holding their breath. The American viewers have already heard their side of the story. And now, Star World will be airing their interview in India on 17 February at 9 pm.
Jackson, whose straight No 1 singles and flashy dance moves made him the King of Pop music, has been dogged for more than a decade by rumors of inappropriate behavior with children. The 46-year-old singer comes face to face with these accusations once again, this time in a California court as the child molestation trial begins.
If convicted with charges of molesting a 13-year-old boy in February and March 2003, Jackson faces years in prison. Yet the seriousness of the charges sharply contrasts with the spectacle outside the courtroom. And like other high-profile celebrity trials, questions of fairness, fame and public opinion are intertwined with the question of guilt or innocence.
Jackson finds himself center stage in a drama nobody would ever want a part in and no parent would ever want to watch. It’s been a terrible time for the Jacksons since they first heard the charges against their son read out in court.
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.
