English हिन्दी
Connect with us

Entertainment

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor reveals how he finally agreed to join MasterChef India season 3

Renowned chef Sanjeev Kapoor opened up about repeatedly rejecting MasterChef India in its early seasons because producers wouldn’t pay him more than actor Akshay Kumar.

Published

on

Veteran chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who has spent decades teaching India how to cook through iconic shows like Khana Khazana, recently shared a little-known story from his career. During an appearance on journalist Vir Sanghvi’s podcast Culinary Culture, Kapoor revealed that he repeatedly turned down the offer to host the popular cooking reality show MasterChef India during its initial seasons. The reason behind his refusal was a unique payment condition: he wanted to be compensated more than Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar.

The symbolic condition that stalled his entry

According to Kapoor, the show’s producers had been approaching him since its very first season. While most professionals would readily accept such an opportunity, Kapoor did the exact opposite because the makers initially refused to meet his specific condition.

“I told them that if you want me on the show, you have to pay me more than Akshay Kumar,” Kapoor recalled during the podcast.

Clarifying his stance, the culinary expert explained that his demand was never about the money itself. Instead, requesting an extra rupee was a symbolic gesture aimed at securing professional recognition and respect for his expertise in the culinary field. When the show’s producers refused to comply with this demand during the early stages, Kapoor firmly declined the project, stating, “I am not coming. I will not do it.”

A change of stance in season 3

The deadlock eventually broke when the makers approached him again while preparing for the third season of MasterChef India. This time around, the producers felt his presence was absolutely necessary for the show’s success. Kapoor remembered being told that it would be a major setback if the MasterChef format failed to succeed in India. Understanding his value, the producers ultimately accepted his condition for the third season, and Kapoor confirmed that they paid him more than everyone else.

How social media reacted to the revelation

After video clips from the podcast circulated online, internet users largely supported the chef’s historical stance. Many commentators pointed out that his demand was not a reflection of arrogance, but rather a justified move to protect the dignity of his profession.

Social media users noted that a specialized cooking show should naturally position a culinary expert ahead of a mainstream actor in terms of authority and financial compensation. One user commented that an actor earning more than a professional chef on a culinary show is not a positive sign, while another praised Kapoor for knowing his worth and maintaining humility by demanding just Re 1 more rather than an exorbitant amount.

Entertainment

Dhanush’s call for public service fuels speculation on entry into politics

Published

on

Tamil actor Dhanush has sparked political rumours after urging his fan clubs to focus on public service and “find a purpose” beyond celebrating his films during a blood donation camp in Chennai.

While his remarks triggered widespread discussion online, the actor hasn’t formally announced his political entry.

Addressing members of his fan associations, Dhanush encouraged them to channel their collective strength towards welfare initiatives that could positively impact society. He urged his supporters to identify the needs of people in their local communities and extend help wherever possible, saying he wanted his fans to be known for their service rather than just their support for his films.

The speech quickly gained attention on social media, with several users drawing comparisons between Dhanush and actor-politician Vijay, whose fan clubs had similarly expanded their welfare activities before he formally entered politics. Many online users interpreted Dhanush’s emphasis on organised social work as a possible indication of future political ambitions.

Dhanush did not make any reference to joining politics or launching a political outfit during his address. His speech remained focused on encouraging fans to undertake blood donation drives, charitable work and other community welfare initiatives.

The actor’s fan clubs have long been involved in social service activities, including relief work, blood donation camps and assistance during natural disasters. His latest remarks have, however, brought back online discussions over whether he could eventually follow the path taken by Vijay and several other Tamil cinema personalities who entered public life.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Vijay’s last film Jana Nayagan poised for massive opening, Rs 100 crore business expected on Day 1

Published

on

By

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s final film, Jana Nayagan, is expected to make a record-breaking start at the box office, with trade analysts predicting an opening-day collection of around Rs 100 crore worldwide.

If the prediction proves accurate, the film could surpass the opening-day collections of blockbuster films such as Jailer, The Greatest of All Time (GOAT), and Pathaan, making it one of the biggest openings in Indian cinema.

Directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, Jana Nayagan was Vijay’s final film before his full-time entry into politics. The movie also stars Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, Priyamani, and Gautham Vasudev Menon in key roles. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on July 23, 2026.

Advance bookings for Jana Nayagan have shown an overwhelming response in India and overseas. Trade reports indicate that the film has sold more than 6.45 lakh tickets in advance, generating over Rs 16 crore in pre-sales across India. Industry analysts note that the advance booking figure is still lower than those of Vijay’s earlier blockbuster releases, Leo and The Greatest of All Time (GOAT).

The excitements surrounding Jana Nayagan is driven not only by Vijay’s popularity but also by the emotional significance of it being his last film. Fans have been booking first-day-first-show tickets in large numbers, especially in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Trade experts believe that if positive audience reviews and word-of-mouth follow the release, Jana Nayagan could become one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of the year.

As of now, the film is gearing up for its July 23 release, with distributors and exhibitors expecting packed theatres across the country. Whether Jana Nayagan crosses the Rs 100 crore mark on its opening day and breaks the records of Jailer and GOAT, and Pathaan will become clear once box-office figures are released after its premiere.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

FIFA World Cup final halftime show divides fans despite stars

Published

on

FIFA’s decision to introduce a halftime show during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final has sparked mixed reactions among football fans around the world. While the announcement of stars Shakira, Justin Bieber, Madonna, and BTS generated excitement, many supporters questioned whether a concert-style performance belongs in football’s biggest event.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, concluded with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey in the small hours of Monday. For the first time in the tournament’s history, FIFA held an entertainment show during halftime, similar to the Super Bowl tradition in the United States.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the halftime show was intended to make the World Cup final a larger global entertainment event and attract a wider audience. The performance featured internationally recognized artists, including Shakira, known for her iconic World Cup songs Waka Waka and La La La, former boy wonder Justin Bieber along with pop legend Madonna and South Korean music group BTS. FIFA said the event will celebrate football, music, and culture on one stage.

However, the announcement has divided fans and football experts. Many welcomed the idea, saying it would make the final more entertaining and help attract younger audiences. They said the presence of world-famous artists will increase the tournament’s global appeal and create an unforgettable experience for spectators.

Others, including seminal punk rock band The Cure frontman Robert Smith, strongly criticized the decision, arguing that football traditions should not be changed. Critics fear that extending the halftime break for a concert could affect players’ physical rhythm, preparation, and match intensity. Some fans also said the focus should remain on the sport rather than celebrity performances.

FIFA assured that the performance was carefully planned to avoid disrupting the match while maintaining high production standards. Security, stage setup, and broadcast arrangements were also coordinated to ensure a smooth event.

As of now, the halftime show remains one of the most talked-about aspects of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final apart from the boorish behavior of the Argentine squad.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com