‘Pay Me more than Akshay Kumar’: Why Sanjeev Kapoor rejected master chef india multiple times before saying yes

Mumbai: Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, one of India’s most recognizable culinary personalities, has revealed that he repeatedly rejected offers to join MasterChef India before eventually becoming one of the show’s most iconic judges.

In a candid conversation with veteran journalist Vir Sanghvi on his podcast, Kapoor shared that his hesitation had nothing to do with the reality show’s format. Instead, it stemmed from a larger issue the value placed on professional expertise in comparison to celebrity status.

And to make his point clear, Kapoor had one firm condition for the show’s makers.

“If you want me, you have to pay me more than Akshay Kumar,” he recalled telling them.

Why Sanjeev Kapoor Refused MasterChef India

According to Kapoor, the demand was never about competing with Bollywood actors or comparing popularity.

For him, it was about recognizing expertise in the field of cooking.

The chef explained that if a television show is fundamentally centered around food and culinary skills, then the industry’s most experienced professional should be valued accordingly.

“This is my field. If an actor comes into my field, why should he be paid more than me?” Kapoor said during the discussion.

He emphasized that the issue was not about ego or personal rivalry but about ensuring that domain experts receive the respect and recognition they deserve.

The Stand That Cost Him the First Season

Kapoor revealed that the makers initially approached him during the first season of MasterChef India.

However, negotiations broke down when the producers were unwilling to meet his salary expectations.

Despite the popularity and potential reach of the show, Kapoor chose to walk away rather than compromise on what he believed was a matter of principle.

Recalling his response at the time, he said:

“I am not coming. I will not do it.”

As a result, he stayed away from the first two seasons of the cooking reality show.

Vir Sanghvi Asked: Was It About Ego?

During the podcast conversation, Vir Sanghvi challenged Kapoor’s position and asked whether the issue ultimately came down to ego, questioning whether a difference of “one rupee” would really matter.

Kapoor did not avoid the question and instead clarified that the amount itself was symbolic.

For him, the discussion represented something much larger than money it reflected how society values expertise, years of experience and professional achievement.

The celebrity chef maintained that his condition was non-negotiable because it stood for recognition of the culinary profession.

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How the Makers Finally Convinced Him

After refusing multiple offers, Kapoor eventually joined the reality show but only after the producers agreed to his long-standing demand.

According to the chef, the turning point came before the third season.

He recalled the makers returning to him and admitting that they needed his presence on the show.

Sharing the conversation, Kapoor said:

“It’s not working. We need you. If MasterChef fails in this country, we are doomed.”

He revealed that the producers ultimately agreed to pay him more than the celebrity host, fulfilling the condition he had insisted upon from the beginning.

Becoming the Face of MasterChef India

Once he joined the show, Sanjeev Kapoor quickly became one of the defining personalities of MasterChef India.

His culinary expertise, mentorship style and credibility helped establish the show’s authenticity and connect with audiences across the country.

Many viewers credit Kapoor’s presence with helping the franchise gain momentum and become one of India’s most successful cooking reality shows.

A Culinary Icon Beyond Television

While MasterChef India remains one of the most significant chapters of his television career, Kapoor’s influence extends far beyond reality TV.

Over the years, he has built a successful career through cookbooks, television programs, restaurants and food-related ventures, becoming one of India’s most respected culinary ambassadors.

His latest revelation offers a rare glimpse into the negotiations that shaped one of Indian television’s biggest reality franchises and highlights the stand he took for professional recognition long before he became one of the show’s most familiar faces.