Mumbai: Celebrity chef and Padma Shri awardee Sanjeev Kapoor has revealed why he turned down an offer to judge the inaugural season of MasterChef India, saying he had insisted on being paid more than Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar.
The chef made the revelation during a recent appearance on journalist and author Vir Sanghvi’s podcast, Culinary Culture, where he reflected on his decades-long career and association with the popular cooking reality show.
‘I wanted one rupee more than Akshay Kumar’
Kapoor disclosed that he was approached to be one of the judges on the first season of MasterChef India, which premiered in 2010.
However, he declined the offer because the makers did not agree to his condition regarding remuneration.
“When they first came to me, they did not meet my condition,” Kapoor said.
“My condition was that I should be paid more than Akshay Kumar, just one rupee more. This was the first season, and there was nobody else who could do it but me. It was quite obvious. But when they came to me, I said, ‘There is a condition.’ They did not agree, and I didn’t want to compromise. I was happy with my decision.”
At the time, the show’s judging panel comprised Akshay Kumar along with chefs Kunal Kapur and Ajay Chopra.
Refused even guest appearances
Kapoor said that despite rejecting the offer, the show’s producers continued to approach him over the following years.
“I would still get feelers. They would say, ‘Sir, please come for one episode.’ I said, ‘No, I will not do it,’” he recalled.
The chef maintained his position and stayed away from the programme during its initial seasons.
Makers returned before third season
According to Kapoor, the makers approached him again ahead of the third season, admitting that the show was struggling and needed his involvement.
“By the third season, they actually said, ‘Sir, it’s not working. We need you. What do you think we should do?’ I said, ‘I don’t think I can…’ They replied, ‘No, we’ll do exactly what you say,’ and all of that,” he said.
Kapoor eventually joined MasterChef India in 2013 during its third season and went on to become one of the show’s most recognisable faces.
‘That was not negotiable’
When asked by Vir Sanghvi whether he eventually received a higher fee than Akshay Kumar, Kapoor responded with a laugh.
“Oh, obviously they did. Obviously. That was not negotiable. If I can’t command that, then what’s the point?” he said.
The candid revelation has generated considerable interest among fans of the chef and the reality show, offering a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes negotiations that shaped one of India’s most popular television franchises.
A culinary icon
Sanjeev Kapoor remains one of India’s most celebrated chefs and television personalities. He gained nationwide fame through his long-running cooking show Khana Khazana, which brought restaurant-style recipes and culinary techniques into Indian households.
Over the years, Kapoor has built a massive following through his television shows, books, restaurants and digital platforms, becoming one of the most influential figures in Indian cuisine.
MasterChef India, meanwhile, recently concluded its ninth season. The latest edition featured chefs Vikas Khanna, Kunal Kapur and Ranveer Brar as judges.
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