GECs
US actress arrested in fake TV show scam
MUMBAI: Looks like television too is not safe from the grip of clever con artistes! Actress Alison Heruth has appeared in court in the US charged with lying to the FBI over an alleged scam to take $5.5 million from investors for a fake TV show.
Media reports indicate that the scam revolved around getting investors to bankroll a nonexistent television series about the Department of Homeland Security.
Heruth was arrested on suspicion of lying to authorities about her knowledge of the scam run by her longtime associate, Joseph Medawar. Heruth pretended to investors that she was the lead actress in the show DHS.
If convicted, she faces up to 11 years in prison. Medawar allegedly claimed that 26 episodes of the series were in post-production and that overseas agreements had been finalized in more than 137 territories.
Instead he spent the money on cars, homes, jewellery and child care. Medawar is said to have got at least 70 investors to buy stock in his company, Steeple Entertainment, by claiming that it was worth more than $200 million and would soon be conducting an initial public offering.
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.
