Celebrity MasterChef is steaming toward its grand finale, and the kitchen has never felt more electric. With the top five contestants locked in a fierce battle of flavor and finesse, the show has officially entered its most emotional, high-stakes phase yet. The audience is hooked, and so are the hearts of viewers who have watched their favorite celebrities grow from nervous home cooks to confident culinary stars.
This week, the makers raised the bar once again. In a new promo shared online, the iconic judging trio, Farah Khan, Chef Vikas Khanna, and Chef Ranveer Brar delivered a major surprise to the contestants. The atmosphere in the kitchen shifted as the legend himself, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, stepped into the spotlight. Gasps, smiles, and stunned faces filled the room as the contestants saw the man many grew up watching on television.
Tejasswi Prakash, Gaurav Khanna, Nikki Tamboli, Faisal Shaikh, and Rajiv Adatia stood in disbelief. Each of them had worked tirelessly to reach this point, but the arrival of Sanjeev Kapoor added a layer of honor to their journey. As he walked around the kitchen, he shared words of encouragement with all five, taking a moment with each finalist.
He recalled a proud moment from earlier in the season when Tejasswi’s dish earned a spot on Chef Vikas Khanna’s anniversary menu at his Michelin-starred restaurant, Bungalow, in New York. A rare honor. He handed her his card and said, “Reach out anytime you feel stuck.” Tejasswi stood frozen, humbled. In the background, her boyfriend Karan Kundrra clapped proudly, his eyes glistening as he witnessed her moment of glory.
Sanjeev Kapoor then turned to Faisal Shaikh. He praised him not only for his culinary skills but for something deeper. He said his determination and spirit had ignited hope and inspiration for an entire generation watching him. Faisu, as he’s fondly called, looked emotional but grateful, nodding in silence.
During the cooking he addressed Nikki Tamboli, who has consistently surprised judges with bold flavors and daring presentations. He reminded her that she had won praises in front of a Michelin-starred chef, a moment she must never take lightly. She smiled, her usual confidence softened by genuine appreciation.
Rajiv Adatia, known for his lively presence and honesty, received admiration for his rock-solid confidence. Sanjeev acknowledged how Rajiv had taken risks, stayed true to his instincts, and found a rhythm despite his non-chef background.
But it was Gaurav Khanna who received perhaps the most defining comment. With a quiet but firm voice, Sanjeev Kapoor told him, “Koi professional route iss journey ke baad lega wo ho tum.” It was a statement layered with meaning. Gaurav had not just learned how to cook, he had shown signs of someone meant for the professional culinary world.
As the final cook-off draws closer, one thing is clear, Celebrity MasterChef has stirred more than pots and pans this season. It has stirred hearts. It has created moments that go beyond the plate. The finale will crown a winner, yes. But all five have already served up something unforgettable.