The latest episode of Celebrity MasterChef turned into an emotional rollercoaster as it marked the most heartbreaking eviction of the season. Usha Nadkarni, lovingly called the Maa of MasterChef, bid farewell, leaving not just the celebrity cooks but also the judges in tears.
The episode began with Farah Khan introducing three mystery boxes, one for each judge. Chef Kunal’s box contained a single ingredient, while Chef Ranveer’s had an elaborate platter. When the time came to choose, Usha Tai opted for Ranveer’s box. Initially uncertain about her choice, she was encouraged by Faisu and Ranveer to go for the fish box. With their persuasion, she reluctantly agreed.
As the challenge progressed, Usha Tai faced mounting pressure. Tejasswi and Usha had a delayed start of 30 minutes compared to those who selected Chef Kunal’s box. Describing her dish, Usha Tai listened carefully as Chef Ranveer advised her to stay focused and finalize the ingredients for her fish and rice preparation.
Concerned about the cooking process, Farah Khan questioned Usha Tai on whether her fish was cooked thoroughly. Recalling a previous incident, Farah warned her about the chicken being undercooked. Usha Tai, visibly stressed, jokingly responded, “Farah ma’am aake Panvati lag gayi.” Farah reacted with playful surprise, exclaiming, “Mujhe Panvati bola aapne?”
In a tense moment during plating, Usha Tai accidentally cut the tail of the fish, removing its finest part. As she presented her dish, Chef Ranveer’s disappointment was evident. After tasting, Chef Kunal pointed out the fish was overcooked, though the other elements impressed him. Usha Tai, overwhelmed by the feedback, couldn’t hold back her tears.
When it came time for elimination, Tejasswi, Rajiv, and Usha Tai found themselves in the bottom three. Ultimately, Usha Tai was evicted. Faisu was inconsolable, breaking down and expressing his guilt. “I pushed her to take that mystery box. I feel guilty that she got evicted because of me,” he sobbed. Comforting him, Usha Tai assured, “Main boli thi aaj subah ki main jaungi.” She embraced Faisu, calling him her son. “You are my son, I chose it because I wanted it. I trust you my Raja, tu sach bolne wala hai. Tu mera beta hai,” she said, wiping his tears.
The emotional farewell saw not only the contestants but also the entire crew deeply moved. Usha Tai expressed her gratitude by bowing to everyone before leaving. As a final tribute, Chef Ranveer recited a heartfelt poem, standing by the door to bid her goodbye.
Social media erupted with reactions, with fans voicing their disappointment over her unexpected exit. While many believed she deserved a place in the finale for her remarkable culinary skills and unwavering dedication, others praised her inspiring journey. Gaurav, who admired Usha Tai throughout the competition, reminded her that she had already won countless hearts. Meanwhile, Faisu’s raw and emotional response further touched viewers, highlighting the deep bond shared on Celebrity MasterChef.