Celebrity MasterChef India Episode 46 aired on 31 March 2025 at 8 PM on Sony TV and was available for streaming on Sony Liv. This thrilling episode marked the beginning of the Semi-Final week of Celebrity MasterChef India Season 1, where only 5 contestants would advance to the finale while one would face elimination.
The Exciting Semi-Final Announcement
The episode opened with the remaining 6 celebrity cooks entering the iconic MasterChef Kitchen. Judges Chef Vikas Khanna, Farah Khan, and Chef Ranveer Brar welcomed them with a warm smile and wasted no time in revealing the high-stakes news—only 5 contestants would progress to the finale week, as one contestant would be eliminated at the end of the semi-final week.
Immunity Pin Drama: Nikki Tamboli Loses Immunity
To add to the tension, the judges announced that Nikki Tamboli had to relinquish her immunity pin as it could no longer be used in the semi-final or final week. This meant Nikki would have to rely solely on her culinary skills to secure her place in the finale.
The Barter Challenge Begins!
The highlight of Celebrity MasterChef India Episode 46 was the Barter Challenge, a test of culinary strategy and negotiation skills. The judges introduced this unique challenge where contestants were provided with a tray of 5 ingredients each. They had to barter with fellow contestants to obtain the necessary ingredients to create their dish.
Barter Challenge Rules
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Ingredient Exchange: Each contestant received a tray with 5 ingredients and had to barter with others to get the ingredients they wanted.
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Mandatory Use: A minimum of 3 out of 5 ingredients had to be used in the dish.
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Bartered Ingredient: At least 1 bartered ingredient was compulsory in the dish.
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Time Limit: Contestants had 75 minutes to cook after the barter ended.
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Pantry Access: The main pantry was closed, but the support pantry was available throughout the challenge.
Ingredients Provided to Celebrity Contestants for Barter
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Gaurav Khanna (Fruits): Melons, Plums, Strawberries, Grapes, Raw Mangoes
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Nikki Tamboli (Sweeteners): Cane Sugar, Coconut Sugar, Brown Rice Syrup, Agave Syrup, Khajoor Syrup
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Faisal Shaikh (Proteins): Chicken, Prawns, Mutton Leg, Tofu, Fish
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Rajiv Adatia (Herbs & Spices): Basil, Sichuan Peppercorns, Allspice Berries, Thyme, Curry Leaves
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Tejasswi Prakash (Vegetables): Sweet Potatoes, Fennel Bulb, Gongura Leaves, Pumpkin, Jicama
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Archana Gautam (Cheese): Mascarpone Cheese, Feta Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Brie Cheese, Parmesan Cheese
Final Ingredients Post Bartering
After intense negotiation, the contestants secured the following ingredients:
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Tejasswi Prakash: Fish, Raw Mangoes, Sweet Potatoes, Gongura Leaves, Jicama
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Gaurav Khanna: Melons, Grapes, Coconut Sugar, Mascarpone Cheese, Feta Cheese
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Nikki Tamboli: Prawns, Curry Leaves, Allspice Berries, Cane Sugar, Khajoor Syrup
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Archana Gautam: Mutton Leg, Pumpkin, Brie Cheese, Plums, Cheddar Cheese
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Rajiv Adatia: Thyme, Tofu, Strawberries, Agave Syrup, Sichuan Peppercorns
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Faisal Shaikh: Chicken, Fennel Bulb, Basil, Brown Rice Syrup, Parmesan Cheese
Dishes Cooked by Celebrity Contestants
After the 75-minute time limit started, the celebrity cooks hustled to create some spectacular dishes.
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Rajiv Adatia: Tofu Kulfi
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Archana Gautam: Pumpkin Mutton Nyoki
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Nikki Tamboli: Pan Fried Prawns with Coconut and Curry Leaves Foam
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Tejasswi Prakash: Faisu Ki Machhi Hopefully Chef Viku Ko Lagegi Achhi
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Faisal Shaikh: Fennel Sauce with Fresh Noodles and Brown Rice Syrup
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Gaurav Khanna: Crème Brûlée
Mid-Challenge Twist: Surprise Barter by Judges!
Just when the contestants thought the barter was over, judges Farah Khan and Chef Ranveer Brar threw in an unexpected twist. They presented a tray of mixed ingredients and initiated a surprise barter with the contestants.
Surprise Barter Results
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Rajiv Adatia bartered Thyme and received Macadamia Nuts.
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Gaurav Khanna exchanged Feta Cheese for Vanilla Pods.
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Faisal Shaikh swapped Basil for Mustard.
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Tejasswi Prakash chose not to barter.
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Nikki Tamboli traded Cane Sugar for Rosemary.
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Archana Gautam gave up Cheddar Cheese and got Basil in return.
Results Announced: Who Won the Best Dish?
After the allotted time ended, all the contestants presented their dishes one by one. The judges carefully evaluated the flavours, presentation, and innovation displayed in each dish.
🎉 Best Dish of the Day: Nikki Tamboli!
Nikki Tamboli’s Pan Fried Prawns with Coconut and Curry Leaves Foam stood out, impressing the judges with its balance of flavours and technical brilliance.
Celebrity MasterChef India Episode 46: Key Moments to Remember
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Nikki Tamboli losing her immunity pin.
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The intense Barter Challenge and surprise barter mid-challenge.
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Spectacular dishes showcasing creativity and skill.
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Nikki Tamboli winning the Best Dish Award and securing her place closer to the finale.