Recently, Samantha joined a culinary show named Celebrity MasterChef Tamil as its celebrity judge alongside host Vijay Sethupathi. In the latest development, the show announced its chief judge panel members. Taking on the roles of judges are celebrated chef, hospitality leader, television personality and restaurateur Venkatesh Bhat; MasterChef Australia Season 10 winner and acclaimed chef Sashi Cheliah; as well as The French Door, Coimbatore founder and culinary expert Shreeya Adka.
With their shared passion for cuisines, international experience, and expertise, Celebrity MasterChef Tamil is set to mentor, encourage, and challenge the participants as they deal with demanding culinary tasks, the pressure of making outstanding dishes, and unexpected twists.
Producer Banijay Asia's show will have recognised personalities from the Tamil entertainment space enter the exciting world of food, trading sets and screenplays for recipes and ingredients.
Speaking about the show and his role in it, Venkatesh Bhat shared, "I have watched with pride how MasterChef has taken Indian cuisine to the world, creating a new appreciation for the richness and character of our food. To now be part of this legacy with Celebrity MasterChef Tamil, with Samantha bringing this new chapter to life, is a truly special and proud moment for me. This is a show of many firsts, and I am excited that we are creating a premium, aspirational and authentically rooted celebration of Tamil cuisine. Tamil food has incredible depth, diversity and a rich culinary heritage, and I am proud to be part of a platform that will give audiences a taste of what authentic Tamil cuisine can truly be, while taking its flavours and stories to the world."
Meanwhile, Sashi Cheliah stated, "My journey to the MasterChef kitchen was anything but conventional. I began my career in the Singapore Police Force, so the thought of one day stepping into the MasterChef Australia kitchen and eventually winning the trophy was something I could never have imagined. The Indian and Southeast Asian flavours that shaped my childhood and my culinary identity became an integral part of that journey and reminded me of the power of food to tell stories about who we are and where we come from. Coming to Celebrity MasterChef Tamil as a Judge feels incredibly special because I know exactly what it is like to stand on the other side of the kitchen - the nerves, the pressure, the uncertainty, but also the incredible excitement of creating something you are proud of. This time, I get to experience that magic from the other side. I’m looking forward to meeting our celebrity contestants, pushing them beyond their comfort zones and discovering the stories and flavours they bring to the kitchen."
On the other hand, Shreeya Adka added, "Every celebration begins with great food, and with Sony VIZHA, that celebration is only getting bigger and more exciting. Having been part of the MasterChef journey, I’ve seen first-hand how food has the power to bring people together, spark conversations and create memories. Celebrity MasterChef Tamil takes that spirit a step further, bringing together the joy of cooking, the richness of our Tamil flavours and the stories, traditions and emotions that make our food so special. I’m thrilled to be part of this journey."
Celebrity MasterChef Tamil set to release on both Sony LIV and Sony VIZHA in the near future.
