MasterChef India 2026: The ‘Pride of India’ Season
MasterChef India is returning in 2026 with a powerful and emotional theme — ‘Pride of India’. The new season aims to showcase the heart and soul of Indian cooking while celebrating its cultural diversity. From heirloom recipes and regional cuisines to family traditions and personal stories, this season promises to connect viewers to the deeper emotions behind every dish.
The tagline, “Desh Front Foot Par Chal Raha Hai”, captures the spirit of a confident India, proud of its identity and flavours. The MasterChef kitchen this year will highlight everything that makes Indian food unique — its history, regional ingredients, local cooking methods, and most importantly, its emotional connection to home.
MasterChef India 2026 Starting Date
The much-awaited MasterChef India Season 9 will premiere on January 5, 2026. This marks the show’s official return to the small screen and to the hearts of food lovers across the nation.
While the exact airing time has not been officially announced, it is expected to occupy Sony Entertainment Television’s prime-time slot, much like the previous seasons. The Monday-to-Friday telecast is likely to continue, allowing fans to follow their favourite home cooks throughout the week.
Where to Watch MasterChef India 2026?
The show will air on Sony Entertainment Television, which has been the official home of MasterChef India for years. For those who prefer flexible viewing, every episode will also stream simultaneously on SonyLIV, the channel’s official OTT platform.
This means fans can watch episodes live on television or catch up on the SonyLIV app at their convenience. The dual release format ensures that both traditional viewers and digital-first audiences can enjoy the competition without missing a single moment.
Judges of MasterChef India 2026
The biggest charm of the new season lies in the return of the original judging trio — Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar, and Kunal Kapur. This lineup has always been considered the heart of MasterChef India, bringing together passion, expertise, and mentorship.
- Vikas Khanna, the globally celebrated Michelin-starred chef, is known for his emotional depth and his ability to connect contestants’ journeys to India’s rich culinary heritage.
- Ranveer Brar adds his deep knowledge of regional Indian flavours and storytelling flair, often reminding viewers how food is tied to memory, place, and identity.
- Kunal Kapur, known for precision and mastery of Indian cuisine, ensures technical perfection and inspires contestants with his disciplined yet creative approach.
Contestants and the ‘Pride of India’ Theme
The ‘Pride of India’ theme forms the soul of MasterChef India 2026. Contestants will not just be judged on taste and presentation, but also on their ability to tell stories through their dishes. They will showcase recipes from their hometowns, family kitchens, and childhoods, celebrating the diversity of Indian food culture.
The new promotional clips hint that this season will strongly focus on women contestants, many of whom aim to break societal barriers through their cooking. Viewers can expect remarkable tales of perseverance, inspiration, and cultural pride.
While the show has maintained its traditional audition format, it remains unclear whether some returning contestants from previous seasons will join. However, considering past precedents — like Season 8 winner Mohammed Ashiq who made a winning comeback after disqualification in an earlier season — such possibilities can’t be ruled out.
What Makes This Season Special?
MasterChef India 2026 isn’t just a cooking competition — it’s a celebration of identity. The show plans to revisit India’s culinary roots while giving home cooks the responsibility of representing their states and regions.
Expect episodes where contestants cook with ancient Indian ingredients, cook on traditional chulhas and dum setups, and explore flavours that define communities. The blend of nostalgia, innovation, and national pride will make this season truly one-of-a-kind.
Disclaimer
Details mentioned here are based on official announcements, promotional material, and industry reports available at the time of writing. Telecast timings, format changes, and contestant details may be updated closer to the premiere. Viewers are advised to follow Sony Entertainment Television and SonyLIV for the latest official updates.
