GECs
NGC Intl acquires 40 hours of programming from DDE
MUMBAI: National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) has announced that it has acquired 40 hours of natural history programming from one of the leading documentary program developers, Devillier Donegan Enterprises (DDE).
The acquisition includes 24 hours of the multi-award winning series The Living Edens and the multi-part series Journey Into Amazonia, Wild Indonesia, Triumph of Life and Hidden Worlds – Series II.
NGCI senior VP strategic development and co-finance Janet Han Vissering said “The addition of DDE’s natural history programmes will significantly enhance National Geographic Channel’s programming inventory and bring more high-end evergreen programmes to our existing library.”
DDE executive VP Brian Donegan said, “These 40 films are the work of some of the world’s best wildlife filmmakers. We believe that National Geographic Channel is a natural home for this world class programming.”
NGCI invites viewers to re-think the way they see television – and the world – with smart, innovative programming. A business enterprise owned by National Geographic Television & Film (NGT&F), Fox and NBC, NGCI contributes to the National Geographic Society’s commitment to exploration, conservation and education.
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.
