MasterChef India Season 6, which aired from December 7, 2019, to March 1, 2020, 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 6 (2016): Abinas Nayak
Emerging as the winner was Abinas Nayak, a 27-year-old technology analyst from Odisha. His journey on the show was marked by innovative dishes that skillfully blended traditional Indian flavors with contemporary techniques. Abinas’s calm demeanor and consistent performances endeared him to both the judges and the audience. Post his victory, he 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 6: Oindrila Bala
The runner-up position was secured by Oindrila Bala, a tax consultant from Kolkata. Her culinary skills and unique approach to cooking earned her accolades throughout the competition. Oindrila’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, Abinas Nayak received a cash prize of ₹25 lakh, along with the prestigious MasterChef trophy. This substantial reward not only recognized his culinary talent but also provided him with the resources to further his career in the culinary industry.
Host and Judges
The sixth season featured a distinguished panel of judges:
- Vikas Khanna: An internationally acclaimed Michelin-starred chef, recognized for his expertise in Indian gastronomy.
- Ranveer Brar: A celebrated chef and television personality, bringing a fresh perspective to the judging panel.
- Vineet Bhatia: 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 6 included:
- Abinas Nayak (Winner) – Odisha
- Oindrila Bala (Runner-Up) – Kolkata
- Akanksha Khatri – Uttar Pradesh
- Smrutisree Singh – Odisha
- Ankita Chakravorty – West Bengal
- Priyanka Biswas – West Bengal
- Rupali Bag – Maharashtra
- Sanjeev Thakur – Himachal Pradesh
- Nishma Chakraborty – West Bengal
- Brijesh Rawat – Uttarakhand
- Gurkirat Singh – Punjab
- Natasha Gandhi – Maharashtra
- Deepa Chauhan – Gujarat
- Sakshi Tripathi – Uttar Pradesh
- Anupama Kumar – Tamil Nadu
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 6 not only captivated audiences with its engaging format but also set the stage for future culinary talents in the country. Abinas Nayak’s victory opened new avenues in the culinary world, leading him 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 sixth 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.
