MasterChef India 9's Kunal Kapur Opens Up About Chef Stigma and Show's Evolution
As MasterChef India Season 9 prepares to premiere on January 5, judge Chef Kunal Kapur has shared candid insights about the societal stigma once attached to the culinary profession, revealing it was historically viewed as "a job for losers." In an exclusive conversation, Kapur reflected on his personal journey and how the reality series has dramatically transformed public perception of cooking as a career.
New Paired Format and Judge Dynamics in Season 9
This season introduces a fresh twist where contestants will compete in pairs, a departure from previous individual formats. Chef Kunal Kapur explained the rationale behind this change, emphasizing the unique dynamics it creates.
"These teams consist of people who are related, not just friends cooking together," he said. "With age variations among pairs, different thought processes emerge, which will play out intriguingly in the MasterChef kitchen."
He assured fans that while the format adds novelty, the core essence remains unchanged. Kapur also highlighted the strong camaraderie among returning judges Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar, and himself, noting their long-standing professional relationships.
"We have known each other for years, so viewers will see us agree on some points and disagree on others—it's very authentic," he added.
From Stigma to Respect: How MasterChef Changed Perceptions
Kapur vividly recalled the early days when choosing to become a chef faced severe societal judgment. "When I decided to become a chef in 1997, it was considered a job for losers," he revealed. "People would say, 'Jiska kuch nahi hoga, woh khaana toh bana hi lega' (Those who can't do anything else can at least cook)."
He described how relatives often questioned his education, asking why he attended school if he was going to work in a kitchen. Despite his family's support—with men in his household traditionally helping with cooking—wider society held deep-seated biases.
"Senior chefs would hide their profession when seeking marriage proposals, telling families they were hotel managers instead," Kapur shared, illustrating the extent of the stigma.
The Paradigm Shift in Culinary Awareness
According to Kapur, MasterChef India, which began in 2010, has been instrumental in shifting this paradigm. "The show was a turning point in how people perceived food in India," he stated. "Earlier, contestants faced apprehension, but now there's wider acceptance, with the trade becoming gender-neutral."
He noted significant improvements in contestants' skill levels over the years. "In 2010, explaining what a mousse is was challenging. Now, participants from remote cities are exposed to high-quality dining and international plating techniques," Kapur observed.
The show has also spurred entrepreneurship, boosting the country's food economy and bringing recognition to chefs, whose photos now accompany restaurant reviews—a rarity before MasterChef.
Addressing Accusations of Scripting and Training
Following controversies in previous seasons, including accusations of dish copying and questions about whether real cooking occurs on the show, Kapur addressed these concerns directly. He dismissed assumptions of scripting as unfair, attributing viewer skepticism to heavy editing due to time constraints.
"We cannot show the entire cooking process, leading some to wonder how dishes are completed so quickly," he explained.
Kapur clarified that contestants undergo rigorous training before entering the MasterChef kitchen. "We provide a training capsule to enhance their culinary skills, ensuring they are at a competitive level. This preparation makes their on-screen performance appear seamless," he said, emphasizing the effort behind the scenes to maintain the show's integrity and excitement.
Season 9 Details and Broadcast Information
MasterChef India Season 9 will air on Sony TV and stream on SonyLiv starting January 5. Episodes will broadcast every Monday to Friday at 9 PM, featuring the new paired format and the experienced judging panel of Kapur, Khanna, and Brar.
Kapur's return after a hiatus since Season 5 feels like a homecoming, as he has been associated with the show since its inception. "I'm back with renewed energy," he expressed, looking forward to inspiring a new generation of culinary enthusiasts.
