GECs
‘Sesame Street’ to don Indian avatar
MUMBAI: The Muppets are coming to India. The popular American TV series for kids Sesame Street is to don an Indian avatar with the help of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The Sesame Workshop, a non-profit organisation, has been promised a grant of $500,000 (Rs 23.21 million) to design and develop the Indian version, according to a US embassy statement.
“Big Bird”, the giant yellow bird that sings songs and plays games with other muppets like “Elmo”, “Cookie”, “Bert” and “Ernie” will all feature in the new series.
We are thrilled with the process in India and thankful for all the support,” CEO of Sesame Workshop Gary E. Knell was quoted in the embassy statement as saying. “Our goal is to create engaging educational content, where there is need,” he added
The programme, often touted as the most-loved kids’ series in the US (arguably the world), features in over 20 countries, including Egypt and South Africa. Aimed at pre-school children, it features a variety of songs, dances, games and stories for kids.
The new programme would be developed in consultation with Indian educators, media programmers and child development experts to help localise the content, the statement says.
It would be designed specially to help children in the rural areas to laugh, learn and grow, the statement adds.
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.
