‘INR 1 More Than Akshay Kumar’: Sanjeev Kapoor Reveals Why He Initially Rejected ‘MasterChef India’ (Watch Video)
Celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor reveals the surprising reason he initially turned down MasterChef India's debut season in 2010. He demanded 'Re 1 more' than Akshay Kumar, a principle for asserting his culinary expertise. Learn why he rejected the initial offer and finally joined the show for its third season in 2013. A fascinating look at professional value in Indian TV.
Renowned culinary figure Sanjeev Kapoor, a name synonymous with Indian food television, has candidly opened up about a surprising chapter in his career: his initial refusal to join the immensely popular reality show, MasterChef India. The Padma Shri recipient, celebrated for his long-running show Khana Khazana, disclosed that a matter of principle—and a single rupee—was at the heart of his decision. Akshay Kumar Reacts to ‘Flop Actor’ Tag in ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ Trailer, Says THIS (Watch Video).
Sanjeev Kapoor Reveals He Rejected MasterChef India for Not Getting INR 1 More than Akshay Kumar
In a recent conversation with Culinary Culture and other interviews, Sanjeev Kapoor detailed the unusual condition he set when approached for MasterChef India's debut season in 2010. At the time, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar was slated to be a judge on the show. Kapoor's demand was straightforward: he wanted to be paid a mere one rupee more than Kumar.
“When they first came to me, they did not meet my condition,” Kapoor stated, explaining his rationale. “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.” Kapoor emphasised that it was an "ego thing" and a matter of asserting his expertise in his own culinary field. Despite his clear stance, the makers initially did not agree, leading to Kapoor's firm rejection of the offer.
Kapoor's unwavering resolve meant he did not participate in the first two seasons of MasterChef India. The inaugural season, which premiered on October 16, 2010, featured Akshay Kumar alongside chefs Kunal Kapur and Ajay Chopra. Even subsequent requests for guest appearances were turned down by Kapoor.
However, the narrative shifted by the third season. The show, having struggled to find its footing and audience traction in its earlier iterations, once again approached the celebrity chef. This time, the producers were ready to meet his terms. “By the third season, they actually said, ‘Sir, it’s not working. We need you. What do you think we should do?’” Kapoor recounted. When asked if they finally conceded to his original demand, Kapoor laughed, confirming, “Oh, obviously they did. Obviously. That was not negotiable. If I can’t command that, then what’s the point?”
Watch Sanjeev Kapoor's Full Interview:
Sanjeev Kapoor officially joined MasterChef India from its third season in 2013, on his own terms. Akshay Kumar did not return to the show after the first season as a regular judge, though he made a guest appearance in the Season 2 finale. Kapoor subsequently judged several seasons before eventually stepping away, citing that the "time and effort to return" ratio no longer matched his expectations.
The show has since seen various culinary experts grace its judging panel, with Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar, and Kunal Kapur being prominent figures in its more recent seasons, including the recently concluded ninth season, which aired from January 5 to March 6, 2026.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 23, 2026 02:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
