Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor has revealed an interesting behind-the-scenes story about his association with MasterChef India. Speaking during journalist Vir Sanghvi’s podcast Culinary Culture, Kapoor shared that he turned down the cooking reality show several times before eventually agreeing to join.
The veteran chef explained that his refusal was linked to a symbolic demand involving actor Akshay Kumar’s remuneration. His comments have since sparked widespread reactions across social media platforms.
Sanjeev Kapoor Opens Up About Early MasterChef India Offer
During his conversation with Vir Sanghvi on the Culinary Culture podcast, Sanjeev Kapoor spoke about the early days of MasterChef India and how the makers initially approached him for the show’s first season.
Despite the popularity and scale of the project, Kapoor said he repeatedly declined the offer. According to him, the producers were unwilling to accept one important condition he had placed before agreeing to join the show.
Recalling the conversation, Kapoor said, “I told them that if you want me on the show, you have to pay me more than Akshay Kumar.”
Why the Chef Wanted Rs 1 More Than Akshay Kumar
Kapoor clarified that the issue was never about financial gain. Instead, he described the additional rupee as symbolic recognition of professional expertise and contribution to the culinary industry.
He explained that the demand represented the importance of acknowledging chefs appropriately on a cooking-based platform.
When the producers did not agree to the condition initially, Kapoor said he refused to participate in the show.
Sharing how firmly he stood by his decision, the chef recalled telling the makers, “I am not coming. I will not do it.”
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Producers Approached Him Again for Season Three
Kapoor revealed that the makers contacted him once again while preparing for the third season of MasterChef India.
By then, according to him, the production team believed the show required his presence. He also remembered being informed that if MasterChef failed to succeed in India, it would be considered a major setback.
This time, the producers accepted his condition regarding remuneration. Kapoor confirmed during the podcast that he was ultimately paid more than everyone else associated with the show.
Podcast Clips Trigger Social Media Discussion
After excerpts from the podcast surfaced online, many social media users reacted strongly to Kapoor’s statements.
A large number of commenters supported the chef’s stance, saying his demand reflected professional self-respect rather than arrogance.
One user commented, “Standing true to value.” Another wrote, “Standing for yourself is good and accepting it is great.”
Internet Users Back Chef’s Stand on Professional Recognition
Several users argued that a cooking reality show should place chefs above actors in terms of authority and expertise.
One social media user stated, “An actor getting more than a chef in a cooking show is not a good sign.”
Another person commented, “Why should Akshay Kumar be paid more than the top chef on a cooking show? His point is completely valid.”
A separate reaction read, “It’s not ego. It’s called knowing what you are worth. And humility is charging only Rs 1 more and not Rs 1 crore more.”
The online discussion quickly expanded into a broader conversation about recognising professionals for their domain expertise and contributions.
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Sanjeev Kapoor’s Legacy in Indian Culinary Television
Sanjeev Kapoor remains one of India’s most recognised culinary personalities. Through his long-running television show Khana Khazana, he played a major role in popularising cooking content for Indian audiences over several decades.
His association with MasterChef India further strengthened his presence in food-based television programming and helped establish him as one of the leading culinary figures in the country.
The recent podcast revelation has now offered audiences a rare glimpse into the negotiations and principles that shaped his journey with the reality show.
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