GECs
MTV India head Alex Kuruvilla quits
MUMBAI: In a development that has taken many within the cult music franchise by surprise, MTV Networks Asia executive vice-president and MTV India managing director Alex Kuruvilla has resigned, it was internally announced today.
The announcement was made by Frank Brown, president of MTV Networks Asia Pacific, during the company’s weekly Friday “town hall” meeting. Kuruvilla’s last official working day at MTV will be 30 June.
It is not clear at this point of time where exactly he is headed.
Meanwhile, a company statement issued a short while after Indiantelevision.com broke the news of Kuruvilla’s departure said a replacement would be announced shortly.
Says Kuruvilla, “What a ride! Ive had the opportunity to be part of it all during my time here from launching exciting new channels, to bringing reality television to India and changing the idea of what a music channel is expected to be. Im especially proud of MTVs undisputed leadership position in the Indian entertainment scenario, the impact its had on Indian youth in the country and our pro-social work, particularly in the area of HIV / AIDS. I will miss Team MTVN.
Brown lauded Kuruvilla contribution to the network’s development in India, saying, “Were very sorry to see Alex go. Hes been with this company through challenging as well as triumphant times and has had a major role in making MTV Networks India the powerhouse of talent and ideas that it is today. However, Alex will continue to work with us on a few business projects for some time to come.”
It was during his term that Viacom kids channel Nickelodeon, which was later christened for Indian Kids as Nick, and the international music and lifestyle channel Vh1, which was brought to India in 2004, marked their entry.
An advertising professional with a passion for music and entertainment, Kuruvilla joined the company in 1999 from the erstwhile Hindustan Thompson Associates (now JWT).
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.
