Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor has revealed that he initially declined the offer to join MasterChef India because the makers would not agree to a condition he considered non-negotiable. During a conversation on Culinary Culture, Kapoor shared that he had insisted on earning more than Akshay Kumar, even if the difference was only ₹1.
Sanjeev Kapoor’s unique condition
Looking back at the discussions, Kapoor said his demand was simple: “One rupee more.” When interviewer Vir Sanghvi asked whether it was an ego issue since the amount was insignificant, Kapoor stood by his stance and repeated that he wanted to be paid exactly ₹1 more.
According to him, the producers informed him that Akshay Kumar had already been finalized for the show’s first season. However, Kapoor felt there was no substitute for the role he was expected to play. Although the offer was described as attractive, he said the makers were unwilling to accept his condition.
Kapoor admitted that their refusal did not affect him and that he was comfortable walking away from the project. He even declined later proposals, including requests to make guest appearances in individual episodes.
Why he eventually joined the show
By the time the third season was being planned, the makers reportedly approached Kapoor again, acknowledging that the show was struggling. Recalling the conversation, he said they told him they needed him on board.
Initially hesitant, Kapoor responded that he was unsure if he wanted to take part. The producers assured him that they would follow his vision for the show, although he later remarked that things did not entirely work out that way.
A bigger goal behind the decision
Kapoor explained that his eventual decision to join MasterChef India was motivated by his desire to strengthen India’s food entertainment industry. Around that period, he had also launched his food-focused television channel and was working to make chefs such as Harpal Singh Sokhi household names.
He believed that if MasterChef India failed, it would negatively impact the growth of culinary entertainment in the country. “If MasterChef doesn’t succeed here, it’s a setback for all of us in the food space,” he said, emphasizing that he wants every food-related venture to thrive.
Did he finally get that extra rupee?
When Vir Sanghvi jokingly asked whether he eventually received ₹1 more than everyone else, Kapoor responded that he “obviously” did. Calling it a matter of principle rather than money, he added that if he could not command that level of respect, then something was wrong with the system itself.
