by The latest Celebrity MasterChef India Episode 36, aired on 17 March 2025 at 8 PM on Sony TV and streamed on Sony Liv, delivered a rollercoaster of emotions, surprises, and a festive Holi-themed Black Apron Challenge.
From Dipika Kakar’s heart-breaking exit due to her injury to an exciting cooking challenge with special sous chefs, the episode kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
Dipika Kakar Bids an Emotional Goodbye
The episode began with the remaining eight celebrity contestants entering the Celebrity MasterChef Kitchen, dressed in traditional Holi colours, setting the mood for a festive and vibrant episode.
However, the celebration took an emotional turn when judge Farah Khan announced that Dipika Kakar Ibrahim had to withdraw from the competition due to her worsening shoulder injury.
💬 Farah Khan: “Dipika, your dedication to cooking has been inspiring, but your health comes first.”
Dipika, teary-eyed, thanked the judges, her fellow contestants, and fans for supporting her throughout her journey. She bid farewell, leaving everyone emotional as she walked out of the Celebrity MasterChef Kitchen for the last time.
Taste Test Challenge – Who Wins the Seeti Advantage?
With only seven contestants left, the judges welcomed Indian restaurateur Zorawar Kalra as a special guest judge and announced the Taste Test Challenge for the four contestants in the danger zone before the Black Apron Challenge.
Taste Test Challenge Rules:
- Contestants had to taste different Veeba sauces and write down their ingredients within 20 seconds.
- At least three correct ingredients had to be guessed per round.
- The contestant with the most correct guesses would win the Seeti Advantage, allowing them a crucial benefit in the Black Apron Challenge.
Final Rankings of the Taste Test Challenge:
🥇 Rajiv Adatia – Winner (Receives the Seeti Advantage)
🥈 Usha Nadkarni – 2nd Place
🥉 Faisal Shaikh (Mr. Faisu) – 3rd Place
🏅 Archana Gautam – 4th Place
With his win, Rajiv Adatia secured a game-changing advantage for the Holi Special Black Apron Challenge.
A Heartwarming Surprise – Family Messages for the Contestants
Before the Black Apron Challenge, the contestants received a surprise from their loved ones. A recorded message from one of their family members played for each contestant, bringing tears of joy and motivation to the kitchen.
🥺 Tejasswi Prakash broke down in tears as she heard a sweet message from her parents.
❤️ Faisal Shaikh smiled emotionally, hearing words of encouragement from his younger brother, Adnan.
😢 Archana Gautam’s mother cheered her on, reminding her how proud she was.
This emotional segment lifted spirits and reminded the contestants why they were fighting so hard to win.
Celebrity Contestants Get Help from Special Sous Chefs!
For the Holi Special Black Apron Challenge, the contestants were given a surprise twist—they wouldn’t be cooking alone! Each contestant was assigned a special sous chef, making the challenge even more exciting.
Sous Chef Assignments:
👩🍳 Tejasswi Prakash – Her mother, Neetu Wayangankar
👨🍳 Nikki Tamboli – Her father, Digambar Tamboli
👩🍳 Archana Gautam – Her mother, Sunita Gautam
👨🍳 Gaurav Khanna – His former co-star, Simran Kaur Hundal
👨🍳 Faisal Shaikh (Mr. Faisu) – His brother, Adnaan Shaikh
👩🍳 Usha Nadkarni – Her son, Abhijeet Nadkarni
👨🍳 Rajiv Adatia – His sister, Deepa Anand
The contestants were overjoyed to cook alongside their family members and loved ones, adding a personal touch to their Holi special dishes.
Holi Special Black Apron Challenge – The Final Showdown
Challenge Rules:
🔸 Contestants must prepare a Holi-themed, innovative MasterChef-level dish with their sous chefs.
🔸 They have 90 minutes to cook.
🔸 An extra 5 minutes is granted at the start to collect ingredients from the pantry.
🔸 One contestant from the danger zone will be eliminated.
🔸 The best dish of the night will be featured in Zorawar Kalra’s restaurant’s Holi special menu.
With the clock ticking, all seven celebrity contestants rushed to collect their ingredients and began cooking. The energy in the kitchen was electric as families worked together, blending laughter, emotions, and intense focus.
What’s Next?
🧐 Who will impress the judges with their Holi-themed masterpiece?
😱 Which contestant from the Black Apron Challenge will be eliminated?
🏆 Whose dish will be featured in Zorawar Kalra’s restaurant?
Viewers will find out in tomorrow’s exciting episode of Celebrity MasterChef India!
