MasterChef India 2026 Finale: Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe Win the Trophy in a Touching Grand Finale

A Grand Celebration of India’s Culinary Heritage

The finale of MasterChef India turned out to be an emotional and memorable event on Sony Entertainment Television. After weeks of intense cooking battles, inspiring journeys, and unforgettable dishes, the show crowned Nagpur’s brother duo Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe as the winners.

In the grand finale, the duo lifted the coveted MasterChef India trophy and proudly wore the prestigious Golden Apron. As a result, their remarkable journey of passion, creativity, and perseverance came to a triumphant end.

Moreover, the theme of this season, “Pride of India,” celebrated the country’s rich culinary diversity. Each dish presented during the competition highlighted regional flavours and the powerful stories behind them.

A Unique Jodi Format That Brought New Energy

This season stood out because it introduced a refreshing Jodi (pairs) format. At the beginning of the competition, 50 pairs from across India entered the MasterChef kitchen, each bringing their own bond and culinary traditions.

Furthermore, the pairs included siblings, friends, couples, and parents with their children. Because of this, the show gained a deeper emotional connection with viewers. In addition, the format added a strong element of teamwork, making the competition even more engaging and unpredictable.

Legendary Chefs Elevate the Grand Finale

Adding to the excitement, the grand finale featured renowned culinary icon Sanjeev Kapoor as a special guest. He joined the show’s popular judging panel, which includes Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar, and Kunal Kapur.

While speaking about the show, Sanjeev Kapoor emphasized that MasterChef India has always celebrated the country’s diverse food heritage. According to him, the contestants were not just cooking dishes but also proudly representing their states, hometowns, and culinary traditions.

Additionally, he highlighted how the unique format allowed two chefs to rise together as winners, symbolising collaboration and shared success.

The Finalists Who Captured the Nation’s Heart

As the competition reached its final stage, three powerful pairs made it to the grand finale:

  • Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe – Brothers from Nagpur
  • Saisree and Chanda – Mother and daughter
  • Anju and Manju – Sisters

Each duo impressed the judges with their creativity, technique, and teamwork. However, Vikram and Ajinkya’s consistency and innovative dishes ultimately helped them secure the winning title.

Judges Reflect on an Unforgettable Season

Looking back at the season, Chef Vikas Khanna shared that the memories created during the show would remain special for everyone involved. He also expressed hope that the winners would carry forward the MasterChef legacy and inspire aspiring cooks.

Similarly, Chef Ranveer Brar described the show as more than just work, calling it a family. Although goodbyes are never easy, he said the best contestants always rise to the occasion. In his view, Vikram and Ajinkya proved their excellence with every dish they presented.

Meanwhile, Chef Kunal Kapur praised the contestants for their creativity, resilience, and passion. He added that the determination shown by the winning duo truly set them apart.

More Than Just a Cooking Competition

Ultimately, the latest season of MasterChef India once again proved that food is far more than taste. Instead, it represents emotion, identity, and storytelling.

Through every challenge and dish, the contestants shared their personal journeys and cultural traditions. Consequently, the show continues to inspire home cooks across the country to dream bigger, experiment more, and celebrate their culinary roots.

Meanwhile, viewers can continue enjoying the culinary journey with MasterChef India Masterclass, airing Monday to Friday at 8:00 PM on Sony Entertainment Television and SonyLIV.