The Tamil edition of the popular MasterChef franchise is taking shape, with Celebrity MasterChef Tamil announcing its chief judging panel.
The upcoming culinary reality show, which features Samantha as celebrity judge and Vijay Sethupathi as host, has brought together an experienced trio from the culinary and hospitality world. Venkatesh Bhat, Sashi Cheliah and Shreeya Adka will serve as the show’s judges.
Produced by Banijay Asia, the series will bring familiar personalities from Tamil entertainment into a competitive kitchen, challenging them to swap scripts and performances for recipes, ingredients and demanding culinary tasks.
Who Are the Judges of Celebrity MasterChef Tamil?
The judging panel brings together professionals with different experiences in food, television and hospitality.
Venkatesh Bhat
Chef, restaurateur, hospitality leader and television personality Venkatesh Bhat joins the panel with extensive experience in the culinary and television space.
Speaking about his association with the show, Bhat said he was proud to be part of the MasterChef legacy and particularly excited about a platform that could highlight 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.”
Bhat also described the series as a premium and aspirational celebration of Tamil food and its traditions.
Sashi Cheliah Joins the Panel
Sashi Cheliah, the winner of MasterChef Australia Season 10, will also take on judging responsibilities.
Cheliah brings a distinctive perspective to the show, having experienced the pressure of a competitive MasterChef kitchen himself. Before pursuing his culinary journey, he worked with the Singapore Police Force.
Reflecting on his journey, Cheliah said his Indian and Southeast Asian culinary influences played an important role in shaping his identity as a chef.
His experience as a former MasterChef contestant also gives him an understanding of the nerves and pressure that contestants can face during demanding cooking challenges.
“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.”
Shreeya Adka Completes the Judging Panel
Shreeya Adka, founder of The French Door, Coimbatore, completes the show’s judging trio.
A culinary expert with experience connected to the MasterChef journey, Adka said she was excited about a format that combines cooking with the traditions and stories surrounding Tamil cuisine.
“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.”
Her comments highlight the show’s intention to explore food not simply as a competition, but also as a reflection of culture and personal stories.
Samantha and Vijay Sethupathi Lead Celebrity MasterChef Tamil
The judging announcement comes after the involvement of Samantha and Vijay Sethupathi was revealed.
Samantha has joined the culinary series as its celebrity judge, while Vijay Sethupathi will serve as the host.
The show will feature personalities from the Tamil entertainment industry as they take on cooking challenges and attempt to demonstrate their skills in the kitchen.
Instead of performing for cameras in their usual entertainment roles, the celebrity participants will face recipes, ingredients, time pressure and unexpected twists.
Celebrity MasterChef Tamil Promises High-Pressure Culinary Challenges
The upcoming series is expected to combine the competitive format associated with MasterChef with the personalities and cultural identity of Tamil entertainment.
Contestants will have to navigate demanding culinary assignments while impressing the judges with their dishes.
The show’s judging panel brings together different perspectives: Bhat’s television and hospitality experience, Cheliah’s MasterChef Australia background and Adka’s culinary expertise.
That combination is expected to provide contestants with feedback covering both technical cooking skills and the storytelling elements behind food.
When and Where to Watch Celebrity MasterChef Tamil?
Celebrity MasterChef Tamil is set to premiere on Sony LIV and Sony VIZHA.
An exact release date was not specified in the announcement supplied for the show.
With Samantha, Vijay Sethupathi and a three-member culinary judging panel at the center of the format, Celebrity MasterChef Tamil is preparing to bring Tamil entertainment personalities into a very different kind of competition — one built around food, creativity and culinary heritage.
