MasterChef India Season 5, which aired from October 1 to December 25, 2016, continued the culinary journey of showcasing India’s diverse and rich food heritage. This season was notable for its dynamic judging panel, the introduction of new challenges, and the emergence of young talent in the culinary world.
Winner of MasterChef India Season 5 (2016): Kirti Bhoutika
Emerging as the winner was Kirti Bhoutika, a 20-year-old nutrition graduate from Kolkata. Her journey on the show was marked by innovative dishes that skillfully blended traditional Indian flavors with contemporary techniques. Kirti’s calm demeanor and consistent performances endeared her to both the judges and the audience. Post her victory, she ventured into the culinary world as a celebrity chef, authoring cookbooks and hosting television shows, thereby promoting Indian cuisine on international platforms.
Runner-Up of MasterChef India Season 5: Ashima Arora
The runner-up position was secured by Ashima Arora, a cake artist from Amritsar. Her culinary skills and unique approach to cooking earned her accolades throughout the competition. Ashima’s dedication and passion for the culinary arts were evident in her diverse range of dishes, making her a formidable contender in the competition.
Prize Money
As the winner, Kirti Bhoutika received a cash prize of ₹1 crore, along with the prestigious MasterChef trophy. This substantial reward not only recognized her culinary talent but also provided her with the resources to further her career in the culinary industry.
Host and Judges
The fifth season featured a distinguished panel of judges:
- Vikas Khanna: An internationally acclaimed Michelin-starred chef, recognized for his expertise in Indian gastronomy.
- Kunal Kapur: A celebrated chef and television personality, bringing a fresh perspective to the judging panel.
- Zorawar Kalra: A renowned restaurateur and food entrepreneur, known for his innovative approach to Indian cuisine.
This trio provided contestants with invaluable guidance and critiques throughout the competition.
Top Contestants
The top contestants of MasterChef India Season 5 included:
- Kirti Bhoutika (Winner) – Kolkata
- Ashima Arora (Runner-Up) – Amritsar
- Mirvaan Vinayak – Faridabad
- Dinesh Patel – London
- Samantha Barrett – Dehradun
- Anagha Godbole – San Francisco
- Siddharth Talwar – Noida
- Jatin Khurana – Ludhiana
- Syed Sadaf Hussain – Ranchi
- Ajay Kumar Siotra – Jammu
- Pradip Bhawalkar – Pune
- Rohini Chawla – Gurugram
- Sreelakshmi Nair – Kochi
- Shine Tom Chacko – Kochi
- Kriti Bajaj – Delhi
- Gurkirat Singh – Amritsar
Each contestant brought their unique culinary backgrounds and styles to the competition, contributing to a season rich in diversity and flavor.
Impact and Legacy
MasterChef India Season 5 not only captivated audiences with its engaging format but also set the stage for future culinary talents in the country. Kirti Bhoutika’s victory opened new avenues in the culinary world, leading her to author cookbooks and host television cooking shows. The show’s success paved the way for subsequent seasons, each bringing fresh talent and diverse culinary perspectives to the forefront.
The fifth season of MasterChef India remains a landmark in Indian reality television, celebrating the rich culinary heritage of the nation and inspiring countless home cooks to pursue their culinary dreams.
