Three Culinary Titans. One Iconic Kitchen. Meet the Judges of Celebrity MasterChef Tamil coming soon on Sony VIZHA and Sony LIVChef Sashi Cheliah, Chef Venkatesh Bhat and Chef Shreeya Adka bring their expertise to the judging panel.Press Note:

Three Culinary Titans. One Iconic Kitchen. 

Meet the Judges of Celebrity MasterChef Tamil coming soon on Sony VIZHA and Sony LIV

Chef Sashi Cheliah, Chef Venkatesh Bhat and Chef Shreeya Adka bring their expertise to the judging panel.

Press Note:

Chennai, XX, September 2026:

The kitchen is prepped, the aprons tightly fastened, and things are about to sizzle on Celebrity MasterChef Tamil. Sony VIZHA and Sony LIV present a thrilling new culinary adventure that promises to serve up lots of drama with the right seasoning. Adding to the excitement are accomplished culinary experts: celebrated Chef, restaurateur, hospitality leader and television personality Chef Venkatesh Bhat; acclaimed Chef and MasterChef Australia Season 10 winner Chef Sashi Cheliah; and culinary expert and founder of The French Door, Coimbatore, Chef Shreeya Adka, who will take on the role of judges.

Bringing together their distinctive culinary journeys, international experience and a shared passion for food, the judges on Celebrity MasterChef Tamil will mentor, challenge and push the contestants as they navigate demanding cooking tasks, unexpected twists and the intense pressure of creating dishes that truly stand out.

Produced by Banijay Asia, Celebrity MasterChef Tamil, hosted by Vijay and featuring Samantha Ruth Prabhu as the celebrity judge, will see some of the most recognisable faces from the Tamil entertainment industry step into the exciting culinary world, trading scripts and spotlights for aprons, ingredients, and recipes.

Chef Venkatesh Bhat said, “I have watched with pride how MasterChef has taken Indian cuisine to the world, creating a new appreciation for the richness and character of our food. To now be part of this legacy with Celebrity MasterChef Tamil, with Samantha bringing this new chapter to life, is a truly special and proud moment for me. This is a show of many firsts, and I am excited that we are creating a premium, aspirational and authentically rooted celebration of Tamil cuisine. Tamil food has incredible depth, diversity and a rich culinary heritage, and I am proud to be part of a platform that will give audiences a taste of what authentic Tamil cuisine can truly be, while taking its flavours and stories to the world.”

Chef Sashi Cheliah said, “My journey to the MasterChef kitchen was anything but conventional. I began my career in the Singapore Police Force, so the thought of one day stepping into the MasterChef Australia kitchen and eventually winning the trophy was something I could never have imagined. The Indian and Southeast Asian flavours that shaped my childhood and my culinary identity became an integral part of that journey and reminded me of the power of food to tell stories about who we are and where we come from. Coming to Celebrity MasterChef Tamil as a Judge feels incredibly special because I know exactly what it is like to stand on the other side of the kitchen - the nerves, the pressure, the uncertainty, but also the incredible excitement of creating something you are proud of. This time, I get to experience that magic from the other side. I’m looking forward to meeting our celebrity contestants, pushing them beyond their comfort zones and discovering the stories and flavours they bring to the kitchen.”

Chef Shreeya Adka said, "Every celebration begins with great food, and with Sony VIZHA, that celebration is only getting bigger and more exciting. Having been part of the MasterChef journey, I’ve seen first-hand how food has the power to bring people together, spark conversations and create memories. Celebrity MasterChef Tamil takes that spirit a step further, bringing together the joy of cooking, the richness of our Tamil flavours and the stories, traditions and emotions that make our food so special. I’m thrilled to be part of this journey."

Celebrity MasterChef Tamil coming soon on Sony VIZHA and Sony LIV!