GECs
Star Plus gets a new GM
MUMBAI: There is a change at the top in the Star Plus office. The leading general entertainment channel has a new General Manager — Gaurav Banerjee, who will fill in the space for Nachiket Pantvaidya, who quit in September this year. He will report to Star India COO Sanjay Gupta.
Gaurav was the executive vice-president, content strategy of Star India. He joined Star Plus in October 2009 and played a pivotal role in shaping the content around the theme, “Rishta Wahi Soch Nayi”. In his previous role at Star India, Banerjee had helped in content development for Star Plus as well as Life OK for shows like Mahadev, Diya aur Baati Hum and Sasural Genda Phool.
An alumnus of St Stephen’s, Delhi University and MCRC, Jamia Milia Islamia, Banerjee joined Aaj Tak in 2000. He anchored The War Room that covered the Afghan war and elections. He then joined Star News and anchored the 9 pm news and was the executive editor of prime time news. He also played an important role in the launch of Star Ananda that was a big success from day one. He also set up Star’s regional channels and is credited to take Jalsha to the number one spot.
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.
