Harpal Singh Sokhi on why he turned down Masterchef India; says 'I felt disrespected'
Celebrity chef Harpal Singh Sokhi , widely loved for his lively hosting style and unique recipes, recently revealed why he turned down an offer to join MasterChef India . In a candid conversation, Harpal shared that while he was approached for the show twice, the experience left him feeling disrespected.
Speaking about his first interaction with the makers, Harpal said in Siddharth Kannan’s podcast, “I refused it twice. Apna apna junoon. During season 1, there was an opportunity but it got stuck in back and forth. In season 3, it was serious. I gave an audition at my home and all those things happened. I was at my peak for Turban Tadka. I had done serious television on food and many reality shows too by then. I didn’t want to audition but Sanjeev Kapoor called and requested me. He said it might be their last season, and I should do it.”
While Harpal initially agreed, things soon took a turn. “They took my audition at home and it was alright. I was leaving for my office when I got another call asking for another round of audition. I told them to get me in touch with their head so that I have a clear idea of what they are looking for. After that, they didn’t call, and I also didn’t follow up. I didn’t feel round two audition was required. I felt disrespected,” he explained.
The celebrity chef further shared his disappointment at seeing others with no television experience being considered while he was asked to audition repeatedly. “That season, I saw people who had never done television. I was still called for the finale episode of Celebrity MasterChef. I felt you have to be in the finale and be respected to be called along with same line of people. You can’t say that it’s MasterChef so you have to do,” Harpal added.
Known as the “Energy Chef of India,” Harpal has built a strong television career with shows like Turban Tadka, Desh Da Swaad , and numerous cooking-based reality programs and recently in Laughter Chefs . His vibrant personality and passion for food continue to make him one of the most popular culinary faces on Indian television.
Speaking about his first interaction with the makers, Harpal said in Siddharth Kannan’s podcast, “I refused it twice. Apna apna junoon. During season 1, there was an opportunity but it got stuck in back and forth. In season 3, it was serious. I gave an audition at my home and all those things happened. I was at my peak for Turban Tadka. I had done serious television on food and many reality shows too by then. I didn’t want to audition but Sanjeev Kapoor called and requested me. He said it might be their last season, and I should do it.”
While Harpal initially agreed, things soon took a turn. “They took my audition at home and it was alright. I was leaving for my office when I got another call asking for another round of audition. I told them to get me in touch with their head so that I have a clear idea of what they are looking for. After that, they didn’t call, and I also didn’t follow up. I didn’t feel round two audition was required. I felt disrespected,” he explained.
The celebrity chef further shared his disappointment at seeing others with no television experience being considered while he was asked to audition repeatedly. “That season, I saw people who had never done television. I was still called for the finale episode of Celebrity MasterChef. I felt you have to be in the finale and be respected to be called along with same line of people. You can’t say that it’s MasterChef so you have to do,” Harpal added.
Known as the “Energy Chef of India,” Harpal has built a strong television career with shows like Turban Tadka, Desh Da Swaad , and numerous cooking-based reality programs and recently in Laughter Chefs . His vibrant personality and passion for food continue to make him one of the most popular culinary faces on Indian television.
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