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The season finale of Celebrity MasterChef 2025, which aired on 11th April 2025, was an utterly thrilling conclusion to a 12-week journey. Filled with challenging cook-offs, emotional moments, and nail-biting eliminations, India’s first-ever celebrity MasterChef was successful in setting a high standard for the seasons to come.
With the five finalists including Gaurav Khanna Tejasswi Prakash, Nikki Tamboli, Faisal Shaikh (Mr Faisu), and Rajiv Adatia, the tension-filled grand finale was a mouth-watering experience for all foodies. The episode was judged by the show's regular panel consisting of filmmaker Farah Khan, Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna, and culinary master Ranveer Brar, with legendary chef Sanjeev Kapoor making a special appearance as a guest judge.
Finalists On Celebrity MasterChef 2025
Nikki Tamboli and Tejasswi Prakash secured the first and second runner-up positions, respectively, while the TV heartthrob Gaurav Khanna won the title of celebrity MasterChef and a cash prize of ₹20 lakhs. Known for his charismatic roles in popular television dramas like Anupama, Jeevan Saathi, Tere Bin, and many more, he has now found a new set of audiences over the last couple of months, i.e., food lovers.
What Did Gaurav Khanna Cook For MasterChef Finale?
During the final episode, he won the hearts of the judges by recreating Ranveer Brar’s signature dish, Dakshin Express, kathal in a red spicy sauce that consisted of coconut lemongrass rice, fried peanuts and walnuts, and moilee sauce. Calling it his version of Dakshin Bharat, he impressed the judges as they said the dish looked like “modern art.”
While presenting the dessert, Gaurav Khanna got a little teary and said, "As an actor, I have never cried on camera. I keep my emotions away. This is my first reality show," In response, Sanjeev Kapoor offered him profound advice: "Ab tak shayad emotions se bhag kar yahan tak pahuche ho. Aaj se zindagi shuru karo, emotions se jud ke." (You might have reached this far by running away from emotions. But now, start your life today by connecting with your emotions).
For the dessert, Gaurav Khanna presented a plate filled with grey-coloured ice cream, black sesame seeds, a hint of paan, pieces of sponge cake, garnished with mango bits, crumble, and chocolate. Calling it a masterclass on textures, Chef Vikas Khanna described the dessert as having a family with perfect emotions. Adding to it, Farah Khan said, “You started off on the wrong foot, but as the season went ahead, you became my favourite contestant.” Chef Ranveer Brar also praised his dedication by saying, “Thank you for giving us some of the best dishes in this kitchen.”
After the much-deserved victory, Gaurav Khanna and his wife Akanksha Chamola reportedly celebrated at Chef Rahul Rana’s restaurant, marking the culmination of his inspiring journey from early challenges to becoming the Celebrity MasterChef champion.
