[music playing]
[Narrator] 'About to begin is Celebrity MasterChef's Finale week'
'where we will be joined'
'by famous personalities of the culinary'
'and entertainment industries.'
'So, gear up for unlimited entertainment.'
'When I got to know I had to eat Nikki's food, I observed a fast.'
'Oh!'
'How mean!'
'What! I'll give him the spiciest thecha!'
'I'm looking for a boy, you know.'
[laughter]
- 'Not for Ananya. - Then who?'
- 'For a restaurant. - Hey!'
'So many fans refuse to believe that you can cook.'
'Hang on, let me prove it to you.'
'Come here, Munawar. Check for yourself.'
'The internet has no faith in genuine people.'
[Narrator] 'And accomplished chefs'
'will bring challenges for the finalists.'
'This might look really pretty'
'but is really changing to make.'
'Face your fear...'
[Rajiv] 'Cherries!'
'With cherries.'
'Sir, tell me how I'm supposed to make savoury with cherries.'
'Your time starts now.'
- 'Can we go? - Of course!'
'What is wrong with you?'
'I see the chef coat and trophy before me.'
'I don't want to lose it.'
'I'll try my best and give it my all and make the best dish.'
[suspenseful music playing]
'Will your signature dish'
'change your name'
'to Celebrity MasterChef or not?'
[Narrator] 'Let's see who becomes India's first Celebrity MasterChef!'
'In yesterday's episode of Celebrity MasterChef,'
'Chef Saransh Goila gave the finalists a challenge.'
'Today, not your weaknesses, but we'll play with your strengths.'
[Narrator] 'Let's see who wins today's challenge.'
[suspenseful music playing]
'Wimped out?'
What?
- 'Wimped out?' - What?
Oi, Usha Tai!
'Wimped out?'
I'm terrified, Usha Tai!
What?
I'm not going to be terrified today.
[whimsical music playing]
Usha Tai!
Usha Tai is back!
[applause]
- Welcome. - [laughs]
My, oh, my!
How are you?
[Gaurav] 'The mother of the show is here.'
The older son is bound to get blessings.
My darling!
[laughs]
How are you, Usha Tai?
Oh, roast chicken! [laughs]
She criticised my chicken every day.
Today, I made this with my own hands at home
and brought it for you.
That sounded like a threat. Give it to me with love.
Today, I'm out of the show. I'm not a cook here.
So, I can talk to you anyhow I want!
- [laughs] - [laughter]
[applause]
Is the chicken cooked on the inside?
Yes, it is cooked.
[applause]
Today, you look ravishing.
[laughs]
I loved you, darling. I missed you so much.
[ecstatic cry]
'Mother-in-law Usha, where are you?'
Oh, God!
Then we heard Archana.
Archana!
- Usha! - Archana!
- Hello, Usha. - Whoa!
Hi, ma'am. Hi! How are you?
Archana! Oi!
And then came Archana Gautam.
It feels so good!
I was wondering what was going on.
It's not possible Tom would come and Jerry wouldn't.
Did you miss this madness or not?
Oh, God! I...
[laughter]
Hey, Archana! It's been years since I last saw you!
Ma'am, where this mother-in-law is, this daughter-in-law will follow.
[laughter]
Look, Archana. It's so quiet without you.
Right? I was just looking at that.
Everyone's busy cooking.
[whirring]
[music playing]
- Oh my God! - [whooping]
Oh my God!
[whooping]
Hello, everybody.
Hello.
I was so happy to see Usha Tai and Archana,
especially Abhijeet.
It felt like my long-lost friend had returned.
Abhijeet, tell me something!
Are you here for us or someone else?
I'm here for you, my love!
Now, I know why Nikki is wearing red today.
Whoa!
[applause]
I missed you so much.
[sentimental music playing]
Abhijeet, how does it feel to meet them and Nikki?
I miss the show
and I'm really proud of all these people.
These friends were only good actors until not too long ago
and now, they're also cooking good food.
- You know, I'm proud. - Thank you, Abhijeet.
Thank you, buddy. Thank you so much. Thank you.
These three friends of yours and our ex-contestants
are here for a reason.
Is that so?
Which is?
[whirring]
Get ready for a small twist.
Oh!
Whenever you want,
- for five minutes... - Yes?
You can call any of them to your counter for help.
- Nice. - Yay!
[Tejasswi] 'Today, the ex-celebrity cooks are here to help us.'
My happiness knew no bounds.
'I'm so excited.'
Abhijeet, you'll help me.
Yes.
I want both Archana and Usha Tai.
Not together, one by one.
You will raise your hand
and tell us who you want.
You've been given paddles.
I raised the paddle and Usha is rejoicing there.
Faisu has called Usha Tai.
- Do you want her immediately? - That's right.
[Faisu] 'We got a chance to take Usha Tai's help.'
And I acted on it instantly.
Nikki has raised Abhijeet's paddle.
"Colour me red!"
Archana, I want you!
Raise the paddle.
Come here, Archana.
'I called Archana for help.'
She's a great friend of mine.
- Look! Teja raised the paddle. - Archu!
I'm going to Teja.
- Archu! Come to me, baby. - I'm going to Teja.
You didn't raise the paddle!
You didn't raise the paddle.
- Bye. - Archana, how could you?
- [laughs] - Come here.
No!
'And Teju stole Archana.'
'I had so much work. I really needed help.'
I had no one.
I don't need anyone!
- Tell me what to do. - Do you know how to make pithla?
- What's pithla? - Oh, God!
I was disappointed!
Why did I call Archana for help?
- Come on. - Tell me what to do.
- Take over this quickly. - Tell me.
- Come on. - Tell me...
- I'm making... - Thecha.
- No, I will later. - Sorry.
- Thecha has to be there. - Yes.
- I'm in the finale. Thecha is main. - Yes.
I'm making Kharda Chicken.
I want to roast the spices. I'll add the chicken.
- Tell me. - I'll put it.
- Give it here. - Put this. Roast it.
Hurry up. Put it in.
- Pace up! - Yes, I'll add little by little.
- Put it all. - I...
'Usha Tai is an expert at Indian cuisine.'
I said, why not ask her to grind the ingredients?
Usha Tai, coriander leaves, mint leaves and chillies.
Take them in a sieve, here.
Put them in a sieve, dip them in hot water
and blanch them.
Then quickly dip them in cold water.
Tell me how to make it.
Okay. Chop the coriander leaves very finely.
'I was preparing my toum'
in which I was going to add garlic and chilli oil
as I wanted the texture of chilli.
While emulsifying, I noticed...
What do I do with this? It just won't condense.
What?
This needs to thicken.
Make do with it.
Did you miss me?
I missed you very much.
She's lying. She never once mentioned you.
You know, you deserved to be here.
It can't be changed now,
but I missed you so much.
- I missed you every day. Every day. - How sweet!
Just tell me what to do.
- I'll make everything. - Hey, don't burn the spices.
Add the chicken now.
And Nikki's work is done! [laughs]
Hey, lower the flame.
Don't laugh, Faisu.
- Don't disturb me, Faisu. Go there. - [laughs]
- Abhijeet, I'll tell you something. - Look, it's ready.
- Wait. Don't come here. - After you left,
- she didn't mention you once. - Don't believe him.
You came here today and, "Oh, I missed you every day."
- You sang so well, brother. - Thank you.
- Yes! Nikki is using you. - Hey...
Don't go there, Abhijeet!
[oil crackling]
This is your spot.
She didn't miss you. She lied to you.
Did you miss me, Usha Tai?
Yes, I miss you every day.
I miss you too.
- Usha Tai, once the show is over, come home. - Okay.
For a meal.
I miss the earlier contestants who left the show.
I miss you the most.
What do you think? Do you watch it?
Not the TV, I watch it on the mobile phone.
On the mobile phone.
- Good. Did you see we've gone viral? - I know.
You do!
Look, Faisu.
- Didn't I tell you you'd make it to the finals? - You did.
And you did.
Usha Tai, I told you I would win and God willing, I shall win!
- I told you. You're destined to. - Thank you.
Wait, I'll get the garlic.
Leave her. Let her lose.
- Please, there's lots to be done. - No.
I'll be there soon.
- Please, Archana. I need your help. - I'll come.
[screams]
Your hairpin is stuck in my hair!
Ah, Archana!
- What? - Your pin!
- Help! Teju! - What have you done?
- Teju! Her pin! - Wait.
- Ah! - Where is it?
- Oh! - Ah!
Don't mess with me!
- This is a sign! - You...
Come to me, come on.
- No! - Add some ginger. Hey!
- He won't let me chop onions. - Let her go! Hey!
Teja!
- Teja! I'll cut onions for her and come. - Please help me.
I'll get back...
Archana, stop wasting time. You're here to help me.
'I still don't have anyone for help.'
'I'm doing everything myself.'
'And I also like it.'
I could work at my speed and as per my plan,
I could bifurcate things and move on.
How's it going, Faisu? Did Usha Tai help you?
Usha Tai is this...
She'll blanch coriander leaves, mint leaves and chilli.
I'm making caviar.
Usha Tai will help me with that.
When we blanch this...
Where's your ice?
- I have ice. - Where is it?
In the fridge.
That is the problem.
- That is the problem. - [laughs]
You've to blanch this.
Which means you dip it in hot water for ten seconds
- and quickly take it out. - Yes.
No, put everything.
- All of it? - Yes.
- Yes, do this now. - It's not in.
- Yes, now... - It isn't in the water.
Here.
Usha Tai, it doesn't need a lot of water. That's it.
Faisu, why did you collaborate with Usha Tai now?
- Usha Tai is... - [laughs]
When I came on the show,
I collaborated with her on the first day itself.
[sentimental music playing]
Usha Tai is so nice and kind-hearted.
I really like her. She's like a mother to me.
I accepted her as my mother on day one.
I'm happy that Usha Tai came to help me first.
- And... - It has been proved...
Usha Tai predicted you'd reach the finals.
Usha Tai, how does it feel that Faisu is in the finals?
I'm very happy. I am delighted.
- I said I have one son, he is my younger son. - Okay.
- Lovely. - He has Usha Tai's blessing.
So, Faisu is going to get far.
It seems like that.
Nice. Let's go.
Good luck.
I don't think she focused as much in the entire season
as when she helped me in those five minutes.
[music playing]
[whirring]
[oil crackling]
Nikki and Abhijeet, tell me this.
Abhijeet is in your corner.
How's he going to strengthen your recipe?
We're both Maharashtrians.
We both have knowledge about the flavour of this dish.
And he helped me,
which means the dish will turn out delicious!
How far ahead are you?
The chicken is ready and so is the rice.
I obviously have to put the rice in the mould and deep freeze it
before I deep fry it.
And you were supposed to dehydrate...
- I've placed the poppadom in. - Which poppadom?
Sabudana poppadom.
Whenever we dehydrate a food, we bring it to a point
- where it has zero moisture. - Yes.
Sometimes, a food that is half dehydrated
- gets stuck on your teeth and troubles you, right? - Oh.
- And it doesn't release the flavour and texture you want. - Yes.
Right? Like lentil poppadom, we don't want that.
Remember, dehydration isn't easy
- but it is also the key to success. - Okay.
- Good luck. - Thank you, Chef. Thank you.
[Nikki] 'The rice is cooked and it has become sticky.'
'I put it in a mould and kept it in the freezer.'
'I didn't want to put it in the deep freezer or blast freezer'
because if I put it in the blast freezer,
I wouldn't be able to put it in oil. It will crackle.
So, I put it in the normal freezer for a while so that it sets.
Celebrity cooks, your assistance time has come to an end.
Please step out.
The remaining contestants will get a chance now.
That would be Rajiv and Gaurav.
- Archana! - Teju, I'm done. I'm leaving.
I lowered the flame.
'I wasted no time in calling Archana.'
'The idea being that she left us a challenge or two ago.'
So, she's had that much practice
and she has worked under immense pressure.
Usha!
Usha Tai! I love you, darling.
My girl is back on the show.
You're here to help, Usha Tai.
And you're here at the right time, my Usha!
[laughs]
Usha! How are you, my darling?
I'm going to get a headache today.
Abhijeet Sawant, please come.
Here I am.
Gaurav, you're taking Archana's help.
Rajiv, you're taking Usha Tai's help.
And, Tejasswi, you're taking Abhijeet's help. Best of luck.
You need to chop this.
Please do it over there.
Chop it very finely, Usha Tai.
'Then Usha Tai came to help me.'
'She's an expert at making shrikhand.'
'So, I told her to make the shrikhand.'
I was glad they came.
I'm so happy that they're back in the kitchen.
'I said, "Gaurav, time for a reality check."'
'One must take a second opinion.'
'I had Archana taste everything I had prepared.'
She tasted it and said, "You've done something amazing with this."
I told her, "Enough. Don't jinx it."
"You like it, right? That's great."
Just make sure this doesn't get burnt.
What is this?
This is mango pur*e.
I've to add agar agar in the right proportion.
- Just ensure it doesn't stick to the pan. - Okay.
I thought of making blueberry sauce for some colour enhancement.
'I instructed Archana how to make the sauce,'
'and she helped me make it.'
In the meanwhile, I was preparing the other elements.
[Tejasswi] 'Abhijeet was back.'
'He was very happy I was making pithla.'
'He knew everything about pithla.'
He tasted it and said, "Terrific. Add half a chilli more."
He added more chilli.
Every Maharashtrian boy will be so proud of you.
Whichever Maharashtrian boy has made such an amazing pithla...
[chuckles]
I mean, every Maharashtrian boy will be in love with you.
Thank you.
[Tejasswi] 'I told him to start with our kokum and beetroot sauce.'
'We added cornflour in it for the thickening agent.'
It lent it a thick texture.
[Rajiv] 'I found making the Mohanthal too tough and tight.'
I was just cooking it over and over.
Rajiv, keep the sugar syrup a bit thin.
You want your Mohanthal to be thin.
More importantly,
when you pour the syrup and the Mohanthal is ready,
after that, add the cardamom powder.
If you add cardamom powder first,
- the cardamom will lose its flavour. - Okay.
- It won't be left, okay? - Yes.
It will also save you a lot of effort.
That was your tip of the day.
Cardamom powder, always in the end.
Oh, my! Our chefs are lovely!
I felt the Mohanthal was done and I should put it in the fridge.
[Tejasswi] 'I had roasted the peanuts'
'and added the aubergine to it.'
I'm going to burn the aubergine properly.
I've taken its skin off.
- Abhijeet! - Yes.
Who are your family and you supporting?
Actually, I'm supporting Tejasswi.
Aw!
Nikki!
We just got to know from a trusted source
that Abhijeet is supporting Tejasswi.
[whimsical music playing]
That trusted source is Abhijeet himself.
He knows no one else is supporting me.
That's why he supported me.
- Aren't you both friends? - Yes.
- Yes, but you didn't support me earlier... - Who will support friends?
You left.
Now, you're supporting Tejasswi.
Teju, brace yourself.
He's a bigger aubergine than the one she's cooking.
- He keeps jumping from one plate to another. - I...
- It's fine. - I am from TV.
[laughing]
You said you are here for me.
- He already helped you. - Will you taste 'kokum'?
No! Why should I taste what she made?
- Try it. - I won't.
Try 'Kokum' once in your life. You should give it a try.
- Are you going to eat thecha every time? - It's nice.
- Hold on! Taste it. - Come with me.
- I don't want it. No! - He is with me.
- He is my friend. - Just for five minutes.
Your five minutes are up.
- Just five minutes. - No!
- Your dish is burning! The 'kokum'... - It's burning.
Let me go, Nikki! 'Kokum' will burn.
- Abhijeet, I will block you forever. - I want Abhijeet.
Do it! I will follow him.
I've become a 'kokum' now.
No!
- Abhijeet! - Come, Abhijeet!
Let him go.
Go!
- So this is what your friendship is like. - Give me two minutes.
I let him go.
This is what his friendship is like.
I returned to my counter because
I wanted to check what I was dehydrating.
'When I pull it out of the oven, the sago is wet.'
Oh my God!
'I decided to flip the sago and put it back inside'
'I've increased the temperature from 120 to 150.'
My Chicken Tandoori Mousse...
I filled the mousse in the mould and then
I put it in the blast freezer.
With this, I began the caviar preparation.
Today's innovation was,
in a way, also for the caviar
that I plan to place on top of the ghevar.
The tiny green caviar pearls will stand out beautifully.
It will look exquisite.
Celebrity cooks,
your time for giving and receiving help is over.
- No! - Now, you are on your own.
Usha Tai, Archana, Abhijeet,
head to the gantry.
The time is up.
No!
Abhijeet, why are you going? Wait!
- Okay, bye! All the best! - Bye, thank you!
- You will win. - Thank you.
- Did you like it? - My heart!
- Did you taste them? - Everything tastes delicious.
Why are you leaving me?
- Put cardamom. - Oh! So much love.
- I've put cardamom. - Oh my!
That's a lot of milk.
- Have you lost it? Add a little. - Should I add a little?
- Okay! Please don't go. - Archana!
I am emulsifying toum,
but the texture is too thin.
I am worried.
Tejasswi, this toum that you made has curdled.
Don't forget that your technique is emulsification.
Your emulsion has curdled.
[tense music playing]
If you don't emulsify properly,
it won't come together.
'I can't emulsify any other ingredient in my dish.'
'If I fail to emulsify it, I won't do justice to this technique.'
I am really worried.
Usha Tai!
- Usha Tai! - Use a spoon.
Use a spoon to pick up the saffron.
[suspenseful music playing]
My 'sabudana papad' is ready.
'I've taken it out of the oven and placed it on the counter.'
'I'll bring the rice from the refrigerator.'
The rice is set properly.
'I coated it well with egg wash,'
'then properly covered it with breadcrumbs.'
'The oil was hot, so I've dropped it in.'
[oil sizzling]
- Celebrity cooks, you only have half an hour. - What?
The clock is running faster than it should.
[tense music playing]
Let's go!
Rajiv, you have a lot of things to do.
I know it.
[Rajiv] 'Judges announced that we have 30 minutes left.'
My cakes are ready, I took the cake out.
'It wouldn't cool down.'
'So, I kept putting it in the fridge to cool down.'
My only fear is that the cakes will be dense.
'I just have half an hour left.'
'The beetroot and 'kokum' sauce is ready. Toum is ready.'
Everything is ready.
I have ragi crisp to make.
We have 30 minutes left. One hour and thirty minutes are up.
I quickly started taking out the caviar.
My tandoori mousse is ready.
I swiftly ground the bell pepper
and added xanthan powder to make it even smoother.
Now that I know about xanthan powder,
I feel like I could do a PhD in it!
[Gaurav] 'I tried one more thing today'
'and that was chocolate stencilling.'
'This is when you stencil chocolate onto the side of a cake.'
'Today, I focused entirely on techniques,'
'trying out new things.'
'That's because Chef Goila told us'
'to enhance our strengths'
'and push our experiments even further.'
'I believe'
'I am good at making dessert.'
'I think I can make it look artistic.'
[oil sizzling]
'When I bake the first batch of 'ragi', I notice cracks.'
'I tried folding it'
'but it is not fitting in the ring.'
I am really panicking at this moment.
I honestly don't know what to do.
So, I made a new batch where I added extra rice flour
because I think I added too much water earlier,
which caused it to crack.
I am confused.
[intense music playing]
Celebrity cooks, last ten minutes.
Last ten minutes and the first challenge of your finale
is coming to an end! Let's do this.
Let's put your best dish forward.
Top 5! Make a dish worthy of the Top 5!
Hurry up.
[suspenseful music playing]
'Hearing '10 minutes' made me panic a little.'
'And then I thought there's still the entire presentation left!'
'I'm racing against the clock,'
'juggling so many elements at once, and working non-stop.'
'Two hours just don't seem enough for me today!'
'But I still haven't given up.'
[suspenseful music playing]
'When I fry the sabudana papad,'
'it turns black because the breadcrumbs'
'have completely burned'
'in the oil. This has darkened the oil,'
'which is why my sabudana papad is also turning black.'
'I took fresh oil again.'
'Hurry up, Nikki!'
What are you frying now? You have 10 minutes.
Teja, did you start plating?
- No! Have you started? - Yes.
You only have 10 minutes. Is your dish ready?
No!
The next batch is thick.
'I'm hoping that at least the thick batch'
'forms a proper paste and bakes well.'
'I've put it to bake. I have 10 minutes left.'
This one is breaking.
It broke, but it looks beautiful. So, I think...
My Ragi Crisp
looks fragile.
So, it is going to be tricky today.
This is a very delicate thing I'm working with.
I am making something very delicate thing today.
I will
have to use it
very carefully.
The pressure is really high at this moment.
We have 10 minutes left.
'I am frying my croquettes while the ragi crisps are in the oven.'
'I don't know how to place it'
'because I want to place everything on top of the crisp.'
'I can't plate anything until the crisp is ready.'
Celebrity cooks, you have five minutes left
to plate your ideas. Let's go!
[suspenseful music playing]
Our five finalists and you have five minutes left. Come on!
[tense music playing]
Only plating, guys!
What's done is done, now start plating.
At least make sure your plating is proper.
[tense music playing]
'We have last five minutes left'
'and I can see that the crisps are ready.'
'And the gaps that are there'
'looks beautiful.'
The shape of Pithla
is not a good shape for this texture.
[tense music playing]
- Okay. - Rather use a round mould.
Place the mixture inside, then carefully remove the mould
to achieve a perfect shape.
- Okay, Chef. - Otherwise,
this looks uneven and weird.
- Okay, Chef. - Hmm?
You can strain the Pithla if you want,
- or put it in a ring mould and remove it. - Okay.
- You have five minutes left, Tejasswi. Let's do this. - Yes.
I'm swiftly straining it and transferring it into a piping bag.
[tense music playing]
'My cake is ready.'
'I am using the piping technique.'
'I am using the fundamental element of this dish.'
'I have transferred the butter cream'
'into the piping bag. I am squeezing it out of the nozzle.'
'I used both piping technique and Mohanthal.'
'I used both for the challenge.'
'I think I did a good job.'
[music swells]
'I've done this with great precision'
'because I need a specific type of plating,'
'where it starts with larger dots'
'and gradually transitions to tiny ones.'
'I positioned the mould on the plate'
'and lightly placed dots around it'
'to achieve the perfect circular shape.'
[music swells]
- Gaurav. - Yes, Chef.
When the plating is good
the final touch
- is called pi*ce de r*sistance. - Yes.
It has to be stunning.
You are giving the final touch,
- you have three minutes left. Do not mess it up. - Yes, Chef.
Don't mess up a beautiful plate.
[suspenseful music playing]
I have to fry the papads, the oil isn't heating.
[tense music playing]
I don't know what's going on with the papad.
Nikki, this is because
your oil is not really hot. Let it heat more.
Allow the oil to heat more,
- then drop it in and take it out instantly. - Okay.
'I noticed that the oil is hot.'
'Without wasting any time'
'I deep fried the papads.'
Secondly, your plate. Are you sure this is your best plate?
I don't know.
I am here to praise you.
We are celebrating you this week.
Okay?
The plating should reflect the celebration.
Right now, the plate looks dull
and unclean. Maybe you can use better colours.
This is your week.
- Okay? - Yes, Chef.
'I ran. I was nervous. I wasn't sure what was happening with me today.'
I picked up another plate.
All my elements are ready. I am plating now.
Celebrity cooks, you only have one minute left.
[tense music playing]
We are eager to see your finale's masterpiece.
Within a minute, bring us an idea
that gives you a new identity. Let's do this. Come on!
[suspenseful music playing]
I was scared after I heard '1 minute'.
'I quickly took out the butterfly. The mat was extremely hot.'
'If I don't shape it immediately'
' while it's still warm, it will break.'
'I removed it quickly, my hands were burning.'
'I gently bent it.'
'I set aside 2-3 butterflies'
'and then picked up the caviar and ghevar.'
'I carefully placed the shapes on top.'
'One circle, one rectangle, and another circle.
'Now, a butterfly will go here. My dish should be completely finished.'
'Celebrity cooks, last 10 seconds.'
Ten!
Nine!
- Eight! - Seven!
- Six! - Five!
- Four! - Three!
- Two! One! - One!
- Now... - Time's up, step back.
Now, we'll find out whose stardom stands the test!
I've given my best in today's challenge.
I made a unique dish.
The special thing is that
it looks like a sweet dish, but it's actually savoury.
I hope my dish takes me ahead in the game.
I hope they like it.
Things turned out just as I had envisioned.'
I am happy that this is complete,
which is an impossible task for any baker.
I did it. So, I am just extremely happy.
This was my technique for today's challenge. Siphon gun.
I will plate the siphon gun foam in front of the judges,
which is ready inside it.
I am extremely happy after completing my dish,
which is my first challenge in the finale.
It has turned out exactly as I wanted.
Now, it's in the hands of the judges.
I have given my 100%. I did what I was set out to do.
Celebrity cooks,
it's time for tasting for the finale's first challenge.
Now, it's time for tasting.
[applauding]
Ma'am, I have a message for all my friends.
This is the final round,
so I want to sing something inspirational for them.
[cheering]
- Let's go, Abhijeet! - Let's do it.
- Ready? - Let's go, Abhi!
[singing]
Come on, Everybody!
[singing]
To all my friends!
[cheering]
[singing]
- God bless you, guys! - Thank you!
- Brilliant, Abhijeet.
Thank you, Abhijeet.
- It was fun. God bless you. - Thank you, Abhijeet.
- Good job, Abhijeet! - Thank you, Abhijeet.
Seeing so many people together
took me back to a time when a lot of food used to be prepared.
Usha Tai, thank you very much.
- Thank you! - You came back.
It was so much fun.
Before you go...
- A magical hug. I love you. - I love you.
- I love you! - I love you!
[applauding and laughing]
Abhijeet, thank you so much.
I was hurt when you were eliminated.
You are leaving again and I still feel bad.
I am glad to have received this opportunity.
Everybody!
I realised
- how much dedication and hard work goes into cooking. - Amazing!
At home, we easily criticise food,
saying things like 'there's less salt'
or 'it's not great today,'
when eating meals cooked by our wives or mothers.
But the dedication and effort that goes into it...
- Amazing! - Into making food.
We should realise that
and we felt that today.
- You made us feel that. - Wow!
Let me tell you something.
In the MasterChef kitchen,
dishes may be hit or miss, but friendships are always strong.
- Yes! - Am I right?
- Thank you! Thank you so much. - Thank you, guys.
- All the best, guys. - All the best.
Thank you, Archana. Bye!
Today's challenge was a fusion of ingredients and techniques
and the teamwork between you and your friends.
Now, it's time for the tasting!
[suspenseful music playing]
- Faisu, step forward. - Yes, ma'am.
All the best.
[applauding]
[suspenseful music playing]
Explain your dish to us once.
Chef, I want you to name this dish.
I'll explain the elements, Chef.
It has chicken tandoori mousse.
I've glazed it with broth.
At the base...
I plated the dish with bell pepper sauce,
topped it with caviar,
and under it is ghevar.
That was my today's challenge.
My strength.
I infused the chicken tandoori mousse
with charcoal smoke, as per the challenge you gave me.
- So... - Chicken Pate with Ghevar.
- Should I name this dish?
- Sure! - What is your social media name? Mr. Faisu 07?
- Yes, ma'am. - This dish is called
Mr. Ghevar 07.
- Oh! Thank you, ma'am. - Yes.
That is a good idea because it reflects your personality.
Speaking of presentation,
your dish has completely met our expectations.
The plate looks stunning.
Everything from
the colours, shapes, form, and finesse is spot on.
I love the use of the rectangle as a shape.
And the way you've superimposed circles
and used textures.
For me, this plate is visually striking.
The only thing I feel is missing.
Maybe dusting or an additional element.
It could have taken this dish even further
and taken it to the next level.
- Okay, Chef. - I would say
that both elements on top are of the same colour.
You could...
- You made such a beautiful butterfly. - Hmm!
I felt that the way you placed it
was truly stunning.
I would like to say, if you were to select a colour for the butterfly,
you have a variety of choices available.
You could've used the colour that would make it stand out.
- Almost a part of it is merging inside. - Okay, Chef.
So, let's begin the tasting.
- Does the chicken pate have tandoori flavours? - Yes, Chef.
Chicken tandoori mousse.
I ground the chicken.
- Did you use egg in this? - No, Chef.
Chicken is already a protein, so, I didn't add egg.
My thought behind the dish was also that it should look
sweet, but, is actually savoury.
Awesome.
Faisu, I am cutting this
and, I can't stop myself from saying that I love the texture.
Smooth like butter!
- Beautiful! - Thank you, Chef.
Almost like a butter chiplet. Fabulous!
Perhaps if...
Chef Saransh likes it
- this dish will go into his menu - Yes.
- Amazing. - In 110 restaurants.
Awesome!
[tense music playing]
I have to say one thing, Faisu.
Your idea of a savoury Ghevar...
- Works! - It works.
Thank you, Chef.
I ate it.
The butteriness, the crispiness of the Ghevar
the butteriness of your pate!
Smokiness is standing out beautifully.
Like Goila smoked it himself.
No way, Chef! That's huge! Thank you.
It is perfectly smoked. It's one of the hardest things to do.
Even your base...
- which is the red pepper sauce... - Red bell pepper.
that is also striking a good balance.
It's sweet, it's creamy, it's spicy, it's smoky!
It has an amazing texture.
- Faisu. - Yes, Chef?
- This is called a Finale dish. - Oh man!
[applause and cheering]
This dish has innovation.
Ghevar, but, savoury.
This dish has textures. Your mousse is buttery.
The crumbliness of Ghevar. This dish is full of flavours.
It's smoky.
Sweetness of the bell pepper.
This dish has everything that would
motivate a Chef and make him wonder
why he didn't think of it. This is that kind of dish.
Very well done. I'm so proud of you. Welcome to the Finale.
Thank you so much, Chef.
- I deserve it! - You deserve it!
Faisu, so good!
This is so creamy, and, I never thought that
a smoked chicken can be made with butter chicken flavours.
If you sell this as packaged food
- you'll be a millionaire. - God willing! Thank you, ma'am.
- It's excellent. - I can give a spoon tap.
- Wow! - Thank you, ma'am.
[applause]
You've made an excellent start. Everyone, beware.
- Huh? - Wow.
It is that complete dish for me.
Congratulations.
- Thank you, Chef. - Faisu.
- Clean!
[applause]
There's a little left.
- Thank you, Faisu. - Thank you, ma'am. Thank you, Chef.
- I deserve it! - Faisu has arrived!
Yes!
[applause and cheering]
- I deserve it! - You deserve it!
Chef, I want to say one thing.
I am so surprised
that this is Celebrity MasterChef.
Celebrity cooks are cooking
and, such dishes are being served here like I'm in a Michelin Star.
- Whoa! - I can't believe
that this is the level of dishes I am being served.
If this is the start, what will follow? Now, I can't say.
So, to move forward, let's call Nikki now.
[applause]
Nikki, what have you cooked?
I've cooked Kharda chicken with rice.
And, I made a sago poppadum.
The garnish on top of that is raw mango chutney.
And, salad.
- So, the rice is in this rice cake? - Yes, rice cake.
Nikki, presentation-wise, I think, it's a little imbalanced.
For me, because, I see less of protein.
And, I see more of carbs.
There are colours.
There is green, red, white.
The side salad, um, looks nice.
You presented this on a black plate.
There's a contrast of colours.
I see several textures.
So, visually, I am liking that.
Nikki, presentation-wise...
it is very good technically.
But, this presentation is not communicating.
This presentation is confusing me
if it's a main course or a dessert.
That's not coming through.
Nikki, this isn't looking like a Final's presentation.
but, taste-wise
I have full confidence in you.
[suspenseful music playing]
Good snap.
- Huh? In the sago? - Hmm.
- Yes, there's a snap. - Long live sago!
Oh! There's chutney on it.
[suspenseful music playing]
I'm enjoying it.
There's a crust outside, filled with such creaminess.
So, Nikki, overall, in spite of how it looked to me
after tasting it, I'm sure that your cooking skills are excellent.
Hundred percent.
And, the rice that you have fried is good.
The texture outside is maintained, the rice is soft on the inside.
It's perfectly cooked.
So, well done on that. So, your technique
is clearly visible there.
- One thing all of us were afraid for is your crisp. - Hmm.
- It was clear on breaking it - That snap!
that you dehydrated it.
The technique we gave you as a challenge
was perfectly used by you.
If I could get a little more sauce here with the chicken
- and, a little more protein - That's what is left.
- then, this plate would have been whole. - Clean!
Clean!
Nikki, your challenge today was
to realise your strengths and make a dish.
And, this is fundamentally a very strong dish, like you.
Your rice cake is creamy on the inside.
The rice has a beautiful aroma.
Crispy on the outside. Full marks.
Full marks for the cooking of the chicken.
Rice crisp and the chutney on it.
Full marks.
Every element is fundamentally strong.
The only part...
where they should all have come together
and the sense of ratio, proportion and sauce
is where Nikki faltered a little.
Otherwise, Nikki is fundamentally strong.
We know that she's an excellent cook.
We know. Now...
she just needs to shine like this golden apron.
Right? This is a very good dish.
But, you can do better than this in the Finals and you will.
Very good. Okay?
Nikki, come here, I want to give you a hug.
Why are you looking so disappointed? Come here.
Too good!
[applause]
Rajiv, come.
[upbeat music playing]
Rajiv, what did you make?
I made a three-tier cake.
It has different layers. One is Mohanthal, one is Srikhand.
Bottom layer is an orange zest cake.
Chocolate in the centre.
And, the top layer is red velvet.
There's Srikhand on the top layer.
As the Mohanthal was so good, I added it
in both, the middle and bottom layers.
With butter cream icing and piping.
- Full marks for the attempt. - Thank you, Chef.
Full marks for the vision.
But, do I see Rajiv in this?
No.
I just feel that your normal nuances and details
your artistry is not visible in this.
I feel, Rajiv, that you took too much on your plate.
Um, and, sometimes that's not the best thing to do.
Because, we were looking for finesse.
When you revealed your challenge from under the box
finesse is the word that I had used.
You had to show finesse in your food today.
That's what that piping bag was given to you for.
Right now, I feel like you've used that piping bag
to hide your faults.
Which is not what you want in a Finale.
The best output you could bring in this visually
is not apparent, because, of course, the cake is imbalanced.
As you can see.
It's leaning a little.
Right?
I don't agree.
I think, cake doesn't always need symmetry.
Cakes can be leaning, off-centred, asymmetric too.
But, they have a language.
If your cake is slanting
then, your piping should justify it.
You incorporate that slant into your design
and use your piping skills in a manner
that the off-centredness of the cake should be enhanced.
And, we always say that aesthetics are your biggest strength.
I think, that opportunity was missed.
I'm sure the taste... Rajiv's desserts are always good.
You told me you're making a wedding cake.
If this were my wedding cake...
the wedding would have halted right there!
[laughter]
[suspenseful music playing]
First layer.
- Yes, second layer. - Second layer.
- And, here's your... - Third layer.
[suspenseful music playing]
I have to say one thing.
This is a true celebration of your heritage.
Your Gujarati roots.
Srikhand, Mohanthal coming together
- in this form. - Rajiv, I can't believe that
- you made so many various types... - Absolutely!
- of cakes in two hours. - Hands down!
One or two are very good. One is a miss.
There's one miss and two hits. I think, well done.
So, Rajiv, I would say that your idea
to marry your culture
with something that is Western
is a great idea.
You had a good thought, that you've seen the world
and people present Indian food in their own way there.
Um, I think, that's a good idea.
But, you will have to work further on this.
I mean, you have merged Mohanthal with the cake in this.
What that did is, it is sucking all the moisture from your sponge.
- Okay. - As it's cooling down, the ghee in it is setting.
So, when you're biting into it, everything is dense
denser and denser.
If it had more Srikhand, maybe that would have helped.
To give it some more moisture, some more sugar syrup.
All I want to say is...
Rajiv decided to play around with a wedding cake today.
Rajiv did as he wished.
- Let's focus on the Finale now, okay? - Yes.
Done? We know you can do better.
- Let's get to it. - Yes, Chef.
Every dish in the Finale has to stand out.
It has to be Rajiv's signature on this table.
Every time.
You just need to put great food on this table.
- Thank you. - Alright?
[applause]
Gaurav, please come up with your dish.
[applause]
I am hoping that
as my plating is excellent, my cake is looking great
the foam from the siphon gun comes out correct too.
And, voila!
Perfect!
Mamma-mia!
[gentle music playing]
Gaurav, outstanding!
Thank you, Chef.
The details, the finish, the colour.
I was like...
he's raving about the first item he picked.
I hope the 4-5 other layers
are equally well-liked.
- Before Saransh says anything, I want to do something, Gaurav. - Yes?
[laughter]
This is a piece of art! Look at the colours!
And, the leopard print
you created.
- It's like the wildcat on the hunt. - Yes.
Now, the hunt is there.
I did not know
that you're going to serve a marvel right here
in the MasterChef Finale week.
It's an important moment
where, I think, you've pulled up your best
when it comes to plating and presentation.
There's symmetry on this plate.
The siphon gun was
presented live here. I felt like I'm at a high-end
pastry or menagerie shop.
And, looking at this plate is making me feel good.
- Thank you so much, Chef. - Gaurav.
This is amazing!
- Thank you. - I mean...
now, it feels like this is for all of India, not only for us.
Welcome to MasterChef Finale.
There have been so many seasons.
When such a dish comes up
it does not matter who is standing here.
- Absolutely. - Each one halts and says...
remember that dish?
A dish that is always remembered. This is that kind of dish.
- Thank you. - Your presentation of this
is outstanding!
Out of this world!
Delicate, balanced, thoughtful
thought-provoking and detailed.
[applause]
So proud of you.
A man from Lucknow is telling a man from Kanpur that he did it!
[laughing]
I was so happy.
I've never seen
in my ten weeks of Celebrity MasterChef
that mine or any contestant's plating was
appreciated so much.
They haven't even tasted it yet.
And, I'm hoping it tastes good.
Please let it taste good!
Gaurav, explain your dish once.
The name of my dish is Akanksha.
Actually, when I was dating my wife
and, I used to take Akanksha out
this dessert used to be her favourite.
Blueberry cheesecake.
This is a dedication to my wife, Akanksha.
I am hoping that my Akanksha will be elated to see this.
I've made my own version of a blueberry cheesecake.
I had to use the siphon gun in this as a technique.
But, I also thought of using another technique.
I wanted to dehydrate blueberries and make
a crisp out of it.
With that, I made a mango chilli gel.
That's the third technique I used.
And, you can see a colourful blueberry
and another sauce on the side.
And, there's a line in the centre too.
That's basically for Farah ma'am
as, it's her favourite pistachio praline.
And, on top of that...
I had received my first spoon tap for ice cream.
So, I wanted to present that ice cream in a new way.
So, I turned it into a cream cheese foam.
Enough! That's enough. I mean...
however hard you try, you won't be able to explain. It's beautiful.
It will be heartbreaking to cut into it.
It was my challenge, so, I will do the honours.
[suspenseful music playing]
- Is it this? - Oh my god!
- This one? - That sound.
- Oh! - Ah!
Beautiful!
As he cut it, I'm hoping the thyme cake I've made is good.
I hope it has good flavours.
So, you said it's thyme, and, there was...
Sichuan pepper, thyme.
This is only sounding fabulous to me.
They're not saying anything.
They just look at me, at the plate, at each other.
I wondered how long they would quietly look.
Kissing your hand is not enough.
She didn't just kiss my hands, but, my forehead too.
I thanked her profusely.
It's an honour.
A boy whose food, in the first episode
was spit out into a tissue.
And, I was told that it was inedible.
I did not give up. So, I am very happy.
This idea can be your identity.
Your Akanksha...
can take you very far.
- Thank you. - Whether you win MasterChef or not
you are a winner for me.
- Thank you. - It is perfect. The techniques you have used.
The way you have treated it. Flavour, colour.
Balance of thyme in the cake. It is so tough.
If there was even a little extra thyme in this
it could have become a savoury dish.
So, I have only one thing for you.
And, it just happens to be that it's written on my hand.
It is delicious!
- Oh! - Oh, thank you so much.
If you ever call me
to your pastry shop, I will happily come
and, pay an ample amount for this plate.
Thank you, Chef.
That's how it is done!
I was really very happy as
this was exactly what I wanted to do
in the first challenge of the Finale, because
I want to tell everyone that I am here
because of my determination.
And, I'm here because I'm learning as I move forward.
When you have worked with so many Michelin Star Chefs
you think you've seen everything.
But, one man who is not trained professionally
who hasn't spent years upon years in the kitchen
does not have any fancy degrees
can have such a progressive thought process!
This is... in MasterChef
history...
this is the most beautiful dish aesthetically!
I'm not talking only about MasterChef India.
All the MasterChefs I've seen.
You perfectly caught the vibe of the dish.
Thank you.
And, it's not that you relied on the colours, or
on the flavours.
It has details of invisible flavours.
I feel honoured just to taste this.
This is for you.
[spoon clattering] [Faisu] Woah!
[Teja] Amazing!
Today, Chef Vikas Khanna
gave a spoon tap for celebrity cook Gaurav Khanna.
Headlines!
- Thank you, Chef. - Amazing.
When I eat such food, I say only one thing to the chef.
I have trained thousands of chefs under me.
- All I say is, stay safe from any evil eye! - Thank you.
I was shocked today...
that the Chef...
who rarely gives compliments, Chef Vikas...
also complimented me today.
I guarantee you, Gaurav.
If this were your dish in the last MasterChef challenge
nobody could have prevented you from becoming the MasterChef.
The balance of...
thyme, sichuan pepper and molasses in the cake!
In the foam...
the foaminess, frothiness and emulsification you achieved!
Your crisp.
Its technicality, the overall look.
What is going on?
Give it to him.
- Woah! - Wow!
It will be unfair.
It will be unfair for me
- Wow! - if this dish did not receive this knife.
Thank you!
You have blown me away, Gaurav.
- Thank you. - Your dish...
will be recalled...
in every season, I guarantee that.
Thank you, Chef. It's a big honour.
Amazing, Gaurav!
[Rajiv] Gaurav!
[applause and cheering]
I have the power!
[laughter] Thank you, Chef.
[whistling]
So, in the history of MasterChef, friends
for the first time, Chef Ranveer
gave his chef knife to a second contestant.
I am so proud today.
Amazing.
He wanted it for so long.
He got it.
I am very happy to share the honour
of this knife with Gaurav.
Teja.
- You have a hard act to follow. - Very hard.
Come.
I'm afraid now.
Because, it is my turn to present my plate after such an amazing dish.
[upbeat music playing]
Teja, what have you cooked?
I wanted to name it Ratnagiri.
Because, that's my hometown.
Our farmers...
eat Pithla, Bhakri
Thecha and brinjal Sukat.
So, that's what I've made.
What is the crispy base at the bottom?
Yes, that's a prawn croquette. I've coated it with the Sukat.
- And, this is kokum? - A kokum and onion pickle.
And, what is this crisp made of?
- Ragi. - Ragi. Bhakri is the crisp.
The exterior is looking very grand.
But, when I look at the centre, it looks a little dull.
Everything in the centre is brown.
You say that this is a representation
of Ratnagiri.
So, I think, it's only fair for me to
comment on this plate when I taste it.
- Let's try tasting it. - Absolutely.
Finally, after being strained, your Pithla
- is looking nice and decent. - It's looking nice.
Yes, Chef.
[suspenseful music playing]
- Teju, will you serve this as an appetiser? - Yes, Chef.
Very modern dish
with very classical tones
of flavours. The idea of using kokum
as pickling for sourness!
In definition...
elements are very well executed.
But, as I eat it, it does not give me a 'wow' feeling.
Everything is not complimenting each other.
They are all individually standing out.
- Thank you, Chef. - So, Tejasswi, first...
- I'll talk about the Sukat. - Yes.
As we gave you your strength.
And, I think...
if Sukat is served in this form to people
- who have never tasted Sukat before - Yes?
- they would love it. - Oh, thank you, Chef.
A lot of experienced chefs also
are unable to think up of such ideas.
That it can be...
used this way as a coating.
I travel all over the world, visit Michelin Star restaurants
but, sometimes, such a homely taste is missing.
Yes.
But, this clearly reflects your hometown.
So, well done on the Sukat.
- Thank you. - And, you finally did make the emulsion.
- Yes. - But, there's too much garlic in it.
Yes, because, I...
I couldn't make it without this much garlic.
Teja, the peanut butter is the best thing for me.
That's peanut butter brinjal.
I love brinjal and peanut butter, and...
I never thought they could form a combination.
You've done it very well. The rest seems...
a little dry to me, but, the peanut butter is to die for!
- Thank you, ma'am. - Tejasswi.
- It has several excellent ideas. - Yes.
The piping of the Pithla.
Excellent idea.
You used the Sukat for crumbing.
Excellent idea.
You made an aubergine peanut butter.
- The brinjal peanut butter is an excellent idea. - It's the best.
But, to represent Ratnagiri
the items should have come together in certain proportions.
- Yes. - The flavours could have been balanced more.
But, otherwise, I love the thought.
Thank you.
I'm very happy that the judges noticed my effort in today's dish.
They liked the elements too.
They just felt that I faltered a little in balancing them.
But, it's okay.
It's only the first day of the Finale.
It belonged to Gaurav. The last day will be mine.
And now, time for results.
[tense music playing]
Who proved his might today?
We know that.
All of you know that.
The world knows it.
Everyone knows, today's best
celebrity cook was Gaurav!
Gaurav Khanna!
[applause]
Gaurav, congratulations!
You win the first challenge
of the Celebrity MasterChef Finals
and a huge advantage.
Absolutely!
[applause]
Remember, guys.
The Finale race continues.
[tense music playing]
Every advantage has meaning.
The Chef coat and the trophy are right in front of you.
Imprint this vision into your mind.
Tonight, all of you
should dream about this Chef coat and trophy.
People say goodnight, I'll say, have a dreamy night.
I say, don't sleep and dream tonight,
follow Gaurav to check where he's training.
I'm following him today.
[comic music playing]