MasterChef India 9 winner: Nagpur bros Ajinkya-Vikram Gandhe bag ₹25L trophy. Odisha sisters runner-up, Hyderabad mom-daughter 3rd. Finale details.

MasterChef India 9 Winner Announced (Image: File)
MasterChef India 9 Winner: Nagpur brothers Ajinkya and Vikram Gandhe emerged victorious in MasterChef India Season 9's grand finale, clinching the trophy, Golden Chef Coat, and ₹25 lakh prize on Sony Entertainment Television. The family duo format thrilled viewers over two months, culminating in a star-packed episode at 8 pm Friday on SonyLIV. Odisha sisters Anju Pradhan and Manju Ojha took runner-up, with Hyderabad mother-daughter Chandana and Sai Sri Rachakonda in third.
Ajinkya and Vikram Gandhe, café-owning brothers from Nagpur, Maharashtra, won MasterChef India 9. Their home-style Maharashtra flavors shone through pressure tests and creative challenges. Judged by Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar, and Kunal Kapur, the duo bested finalists in the March 6 finale. Sanjeev Kapoor guest-judged the blockbuster close.
Anju Pradhan and Manju Ojha, sisters from Puri/Bhubaneswar, Odisha, secured first runner-up. Their regional spices and heartfelt dishes captivated in the jodi format debut. They fell just short of the win but impressed with Odisha-rooted innovation. Prize details align with season norms.
Chandana and Sai Sri Rachakonda, mother-daughter from Hyderabad, Telangana, claimed third place. Telangana classics adapted to high-stakes cooks earned cheers. The trio of family pairs represented Maharashtra, Odisha, and Telangana bonds.
Grand finale aired March 6 at 8 pm on Sony Entertainment Television. Stream anytime on SonyLIV. Season's jodi twist pitted family teams from eliminations starting January 23 (first out: Himachal's Raksha and Kanchana Devi). Rollercoaster challenges built to this family triumph.
Breaking new ground, this season introduced a unique Jodi (pairs) format, starting with 50 pairs from across the country, each bringing their unique bond and culinary heritage to the MasterChef kitchen. The grand finale was graced by the legendary maestro Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, alongside the beloved judging trio of Chefs Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar, and Kunal Kapur.
Talking about being a part of MasterChef India, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor shared, "Over the years, MasterChef and I have shared a long-standing association built on a common vision, to celebrate India’s diverse culinary heritage and to give passionate cooks a national platform. What makes this season special is how it reflects a confident, forward-moving India, ambitious and proud of its roots. The contestants aren’t just showcasing their skills, but also representing their states, their hometowns, and their culinary heritage with pride. This time India won’t just get one winner, but two chefs who will rise together from this incredible platform.”
A: Brothers Ajinkya and Vikram Gandhe from Nagpur, Maharashtra.
A: First: Odisha sisters Anju Pradhan, Manju Ojha; Second: Hyderabad's Chandana, Sai Sri Rachakonda.
A: ₹25 lakh, Trophy, Golden Chef Coat for Ajinkya-Vikram Gandhe.
A: Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar, Kunal Kapur; Sanjeev Kapoor as guest.