From a short trip for auditions to visiting the Golden Temple; everything Chef Vikas Khanna did before beginning with MasterChef India's new season

MasterChef India is one of those most adored culinary reality shows that has made many dreams come true. Chef Vikas Khanna has been a part of this journey for around 13 years and now with a fresh new season, the chef gives a glimpse of everything he did before starting with the shoot. Vikas candidly spoke about his journey and said, "For 13 years, I have been doing this and I am so proud of it. Heading to Mumbai and then to many different cities of the country to find the most deserving person who can represent us to the world."

Vikas returned to Mumbai, to begin with MasterChef India's new season, he wrote, "Heading to India for the next MasterChef. For me the word “MASTERCHEF” is sacred. It impacts the global hospitality industry, millions of jobs, aspirations, culinary colleges & dreams. Home cooks that will represent our nation to the World & become the ambassadors of our cuisine. So excited. This year we have legend @ranveer.brar & outstanding @poojadhingra as judges. See you soon India."

Vikas's sister Radhika had a dream of running an Old Age Home and to pay homage to his sister, Vikas made sure he visited the place and celebrated Raksha Bandhan with the old aunties who stay there, "I had promised myself that the moment I’ll land in India, I’ll visit Radhika Old Age Home. Thank you, Universe, for making this happen. I’m blessed to have so many Radhas in my life."

On shooting with Pooja Dhingra for the new season of MasterChef, Vikas shared how she is a pro and instead of teaching her tricks and tips, he got to learn from her. He said, "She is a pro. Mujhe laga that I’ll teach her some tips, but now I’m learning from her." He also had a special welcome message for Pooja, "SWAG SE WELCOME TO MASTERCHEF my dear @poojadhingra. You have inspired millions & now millions more will join your tribe. So honoured to have you on the panel of MasterChef 2023 judges. I know so many people who joined culinary arts watching your journey."

Vikas then returned to New York post the short trip for MasterChef's auditions. He also took to his Instagram handle to share his excitement about finding new talents this year, he wrote, "I’m overwhelmed & excited by the auditions of MasterChef. It’s amazing to see SO much talent from so many different parts of India. Can’t wait to share it with you soon. Our diversity is our power. Back in NY for a major submission of a project."

Vikas makes sure to visit his mom's place every time he is in India. While boarding the flight back to India, the chef shared how excited he is to come back to Amritsar. He wrote, Mama, I'm coming home. In every species living on Earth, this feeling of going to visit Ma’s home is Universal love. See you soon “My Ambarsar”."

Vikas opened up about the ritual that he follows every time before starting any big project. He wrote, "HELLO INDIA. Home is where Ma + Plumie is. Before starting any big project, I visit Amritsar to seek blessings of Ma, Bua & Golden Temple. As we start shooting MasterChef tomorrow I had to briefly visit for their blessings."

Now that Vikas kickstarts with the new season of MasterChef India with Chefs Ranveer Brar and Pooja Dhingra, he calls this time a different vibe. Vikas shared a glimpse from the first day of the shoot and wrote, "Getting ready for MasterChef India. This year….the vibe is different."