Samantha Ruth Prabhu hosts Celebrity MasterChef Tamil, premiering Monday on Sony VIZHA
Synopsis
Samantha Ruth Prabhu's debut as host of Celebrity MasterChef Tamil is more personal than it might appear — she revealed that watching MasterChef with her mother was a cherished childhood ritual. The show, backed by Banijay Asia, premieres Monday at 8 pm on Sony VIZHA and Sony LIV, bringing together 12 celebrity contestants and three top chefs.
Key Takeaways
Samantha Ruth Prabhu is the host of Celebrity MasterChef Tamil , premiering Monday, 20 October at 8 pm on Sony VIZHA and Sony LIV .
Samantha revealed she watched MasterChef with her mother as a child, calling it a 'family bonding event' .
Judges include Chef Venkatesh Bhat , Chef Sashi Cheliah , and Chef Shreeya Adka .
The celebrity contestant list features 12 participants including Balaji Murugadoss , Reshmi Menon , and RJ Deepak .
The show is produced by Banijay Asia .
Samantha Ruth Prabhu has taken on a new role as host of Celebrity MasterChef Tamil, a cooking reality show set to premiere on Monday, 20 October 2025, at 8 pm on Sony VIZHA and Sony LIV. The announcement has drawn particular attention given Samantha's personal connection to the MasterChef franchise — one that stretches back to her childhood.
A Childhood Bond With MasterChef
The Yashoda actress revealed that watching MasterChef was a cherished ritual she shared with her mother when she was young. In her own words: "It's definitely an extra-special moment for me. When I was little, 'MasterChef' was like a family event. My mom and I would always watch 'MasterChef' together, and it was our bonding time. So, many years later, to be a celebrity judge on 'Celebrity MasterChef Tamil' is something I never imagined. I never, ever thought this would happen. So, it's extremely special."
She added: "I've always wanted to be part of a show that offers wholesome family entertainment on television. And this is the perfect show for me. I'm extremely happy to be a part of it."
The Judges and Contestants
Three culinary heavyweights will anchor the kitchen as judges — Chef Venkatesh Bhat, Chef Sashi Cheliah, and Chef Shreeya Adka. The contestant line-up this season includes Abi, Balaji Murugadoss, Dheena, Janani Ashok, Maria Juliana, Mathichiyam Bala, Ravi Mariya, Reshmi Menon, RJ Deepak, Shiyara, Siddhartha, and Vinothini.
What Samantha Said About Food and the Show
Samantha had earlier offered a glimpse of why she agreed to be part of the project. "Celebrity 'MasterChef Tamil' is unlike anything I've done before, and that's exactly what made it impossible to say no. Food has a wonderful way of bringing people together, creating memories, and revealing a side of you that the cameras don't usually get to see," she said.
This marks a notable departure from her usual acting assignments, positioning her as a host in a format that leans on warmth, family viewing, and regional culinary culture.
Production and Broadcast Details
The show is produced by Banijay Asia and will air on Sony VIZHA with a simultaneous stream on Sony LIV. The premiere is scheduled for Monday at 8 pm. With Samantha's current public profile — she is also in the news as a mom-to-be — the show is expected to draw significant viewership from both Tamil-speaking audiences and her pan-India fanbase.
Point of View
A family-oriented cooking show amplifies a softer, relatable image. The MasterChef franchise has struggled for fresh traction in regional markets; anchoring it with a pan-India star is a deliberate play for crossover viewership. Whether the celebrity cooking format can hold prime-time attention beyond the novelty of its host is the real question, especially on a crowded Monday slot.
NationPress
19 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Celebrity MasterChef Tamil premiere?
Celebrity MasterChef Tamil premieres on Monday, 20 October 2025, at 8 pm on Sony VIZHA, with a simultaneous stream on Sony LIV.
Who is hosting Celebrity MasterChef Tamil?
Samantha Ruth Prabhu is hosting Celebrity MasterChef Tamil. She revealed that watching MasterChef with her mother as a child inspired her to be part of the show.
Who are the judges on Celebrity MasterChef Tamil?
The three judges are Chef Venkatesh Bhat, Chef Sashi Cheliah, and Chef Shreeya Adka, all established culinary figures.
Who are the contestants on Celebrity MasterChef Tamil this season?
The celebrity contestants this season include Abi, Balaji Murugadoss, Dheena, Janani Ashok, Maria Juliana, Mathichiyam Bala, Ravi Mariya, Reshmi Menon, RJ Deepak, Shiyara, Siddhartha, and Vinothini.
Who is producing Celebrity MasterChef Tamil?
The show is produced by Banijay Asia and will broadcast on Sony VIZHA and stream on Sony LIV.
