GECs
TV actor Ajit Vachhani dies at 52
MUMBAI: Film and television artiste Ajit Vachhani passed away at a private hospital in the city today, following a prolonged illness. He was 52. The nature of his illness is not known yet.
Vachhani was a popular television figure. He started his TV career with Samvaad Video’s Bante Bigadte in 1985. Rakesh Chaudhary, producer of the serial, who debuted with Vachhani says, “Vachhani was a really different man — someone you can call a kind soul. He was a very helpful, accommodative and understanding guy.”
Chaudhary and Vachhani worked in six serials together. Bazaar and Aaisa Bhi Hota Hai were some well-known ones. “I wish we could have done a couple of more serials together,” Chaudhary laments.
Vachhani has acted in over 50 Hindi films, three Sindhi films and was a regular in Gujarati and Marathi plays. He acted in Sooraj Barjatya’s Maine Pyaar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun… a nd Hum Saath-Saath Hai. His other films include Mr India, Aankhen, Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani and Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa.
Vachhani’s last serial, Ek Mahal Ho Sapnon Ka, ran for 1,000 episodes in Gujarati, Hindi and Marathi. He made a name in the industry as a character artiste.
Vachhani’s body has been taken to his Yari Road residence. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
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.
