Kunal Kapur reveals MasterChef India Season 9 will follow three special R’s: 'Twist to the local taste'

Kunal Kapur, Vikas Khanna, and Ranveer Brar are the judges of MasterChef India Season 9. Ahead of the release, Chef Kunal opened up about this season's theme.

Ranveer Brar, Vikas Khanna, and Kunal Kapur for MasterChef India Season 9

MasterChef India is one of the most popular cooking reality shows. Following the success of 8 seasons, along with two special spin-offs, Junior MasterChef India (Swaad Ke Ustaad) for kids and the recent Celebrity MasterChef the makers announced MasterChef India Season 9. Ahead of its January 5, 2026, premiere, Chef Kunal Kapur discussed this season's theme and challenges.

Kunal Kapur on MasterChef India Season 9

Speaking to IANS, Chef Kunal Kapur, who will be joining Chefs Ranveer Brar and Vikas Khanna for MasterChef India Season 9, shared that they are bringing the local food to the forefront this season.

Talking about the contestants and the various challenges during this season, Kunal revealed that although they have kept the challenges simple and relatable, at the same time, they have kept them complex. "Whether it is with our twists or the time constraint, or by including such special ingredients, which will end up adding a twist to the local taste," he added.

"So overall, the real seasoning in MasterChef India 9 will be of relationships. This season, there are three special R’s, RRR, Ras, Rasoi, and Rishtey," Kunal continued.

About MasterChef India Season 9

Announcing the new season, the makers captioned their Instagram post, "Jab desh itna aage badh raha hai toh desh ka swaad peeche kyu rahe? Aa raha hai #MasterChefIndia duniya ko parosne! Har plate par India."

Also Read: MasterChef India Season 9 OTT release date: When and where to watch, judges and more about the cooking reality show

Chef Kunal Kapur on reuniting with Vikas Khanna and Ranveer Brar

Fans are excited to see the return of the OG chefs for season 9. Expressing his happiness and welcoming Kunal, Chef Vikas Khanna wrote on Instagram, "So excited to welcome Chef Kunal Kapur back on MasterChef India — the OG judge, the man who helped shape the very kitchen this show stands on. Kunal isn’t just a colleague… he’s family. A brother who brings his calm, his class, his craft, and that trademark KK smile right back to where it all began." He also added that it feels like the band is back, and the music just got richer.

Reacting to his message, Chef Kunal expressed his gratitude and added that coming back to this kitchen feels like picking up a conversation they never really paused because it is the same warmth, same madness and the same passion that made MasterChef India what it is.

"It’s an honour to stand beside you and my brother @ranveer.brar again, in a kitchen that shaped us all three. Looking forward to creating new memories, new flavours and a whole lot of magic together. Feels good to be home. Let’s make this season truly legendary," Kunal wrote.

Where and when to watch MasterChef India Season 9?

MasterChef India Season 9 will premiere on January 5, 2026, on Sony TV and SonyLIV (OTTplay Premium). It will stream Monday to Friday at 9 PM.

Meanwhile, Junior MasterChef India was the first spin-off, featuring young contestants, and the 2025 spin-off, Celebrity MasterChef India, featured TV actors, and Gaurav Khanna emerged as the winner.

MasterChef India FAQs

Q: Where can I watch Celebrity MasterChef India?

A: Celebrity MasterChef India is available on SonyLIV and OTTplay Premium.

Q: Is MasterChef India Season 9 confirmed?

A: Yes. MasterChef India Season 9 is coming on SonyLIV (OTTplay Premium) and Sony TV from January 5, 2026 (Monday - Friday at 9 pm)

Q: Who are the judges for MasterChef India Season 9?

A: MasterChef India Season 9 judges are the OG trio, Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar, and Kunal Kapur.

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