Celebrity MasterChef India Episode 12, aired on 11 February 2025, brought an intense Double Trouble Team Challenge where the remaining 10 celebrity contestants battled it out in two teams. With high stakes on the line, the team that won this challenge would be safe for the entire week, while the losing team would be sent straight to the Black Apron Challenge, joining Dipika Kakkar Ibrahim, who had already landed there after making the worst dish in the previous Liquid to Solid Challenge.
The episode began with the celebrity contestants entering the MasterChef kitchen, only to find the cooking stations missing. Just then, judges Chef Vikas Khanna, Chef Ranveer Brar, and Farah Khan announced the Double Trouble Team Challenge, setting the stage for one of the most thrilling cooking battles of the season!
Double Trouble Team Challenge – Rules and Format
The Double Trouble Challenge came with unique rules:
- Two teams of five members each were formed.
- Each team had to cook two dishes incorporating the favourite ingredients of Chef Vikas Khanna and Chef Ranveer Brar.
- The teams were given 90 minutes to complete their dishes.
- Only two team members could cook at a time, and swaps were allowed at specific intervals.
- The pantry remained open throughout the challenge for ingredient selection.
The special ingredients chosen by the judges were:
- Chef Ranveer Brar’s favourite ingredient: Black Corn
- Chef Vikas Khanna’s favourite ingredient: Pandan Leaves
Since Faisal Shaikh won the Liquid to Solid Challenge in the previous episode, he was made the captain of one team and was given the advantage to pick the opposing team’s captain from either Nikki Tamboli or Gaurav Khanna. Faisal chose Nikki Tamboli as the opposing team’s leader, setting the stage for an intense face-off!
Final Teams for the Challenge:
Team Nikki Tamboli:
- Nikki Tamboli (Captain)
- Tejasswi Prakash
- Rajiv Adatia
- Kabita Singh
- Abhijeet Sawant
Team Faisal Shaikh:
- Faisal Shaikh (Captain)
- Gaurav Khanna
- Usha Nadkarni
- Archana Gautam
- Ayesha Jhulka
The Cooking Battle Begins!
Once the 90-minute timer started, both teams rushed to their cooking stations, gathering ingredients and planning their strategies. The competition was fierce, with team members swapping out at different intervals to balance efficiency and creativity.
Team Swaps During the Challenge:
First Swap (After 15 Minutes):
- Team Nikki Tamboli: Kabita Singh and Rajiv Adatia started, then swapped out for Tejasswi Prakash and Abhijeet Sawant.
- Team Faisal Shaikh: Faisal Shaikh and Ayesha Jhulka started, then swapped out for Gaurav Khanna and Usha Nadkarni.
Second Swap (After 30 Minutes):
- Team Nikki Tamboli: Nikki Tamboli and Kabita Singh stepped in, replacing Tejasswi Prakash and Abhijeet Sawant.
- Team Faisal Shaikh: Faisal Shaikh and Archana Gautam stepped in, replacing Gaurav Khanna and Usha Nadkarni.
Third Swap (After 45 Minutes):
- Team Nikki Tamboli: Tejasswi Prakash and Rajiv Adatia stepped in, replacing Nikki Tamboli and Kabita Singh.
- Team Faisal Shaikh: Ayesha Jhulka and Usha Nadkarni stepped in, replacing Faisal Shaikh and Archana Gautam.
At the 45-minute mark, the challenge took an unexpected turn as the judges introduced a third special ingredient, making it an even bigger challenge.
Surprise Ingredient – Farah Khan’s Favourite!
- Giant Tiger Prawns
The teams now had only 45 minutes left to cook a third dish, incorporating Farah Khan’s favourite ingredient while also ensuring their first two dishes were perfect.
A High-Stakes Cliff-hanger!
As the episode reached its final moments, both teams were seen rushing to complete their dishes. The intensity in the kitchen was at its peak, and the judges closely observed every move.
The episode ended on a cliff-hanger, leaving viewers eagerly waiting to find out:
- Which team will win and secure safety for the entire week?
- Which team will lose and join Dipika Kakkar Ibrahim in the Black Apron Challenge?
The answers will be revealed in the next episode, making it a must-watch for all food lovers and reality show fans!
Final Thoughts & What’s Next?
Celebrity MasterChef India Episode 12 delivered an action-packed team challenge, testing the contestants’ cooking skills, teamwork, and ability to handle pressure. With Black Apron Challenge on the line, every contestant fought hard to secure their safety.
The next episode promises even more excitement as the winning and losing teams are revealed. Will Nikki Tamboli’s team emerge victorious, or will Faisal Shaikh’s team prove their dominance? Stay tuned to find out!