Mumbai/Bhubaneswar: The grand finale of MasterChef India Season 6 was a proud moment for Odisha as two of the four finalists – Abinas Nayak and Smrutisree Singh – were from the state.
The finalists relieved their childhood in the first elimination round of the grand finale. The four, which included Akanksha Khatri and Oindrila Bala, were asked to put their childhood on a platter as a tribute to those who shaped their passion for food.
Abinas presented a dish by blending ‘mitha rice’, which was speciality of his maternal grandma, and ‘dahi baigan’, which reminded him of his paternal grandma. It also included fish, a symbol of his coastal influences.
Smrutisree made a dish which was a combination of mutton and bread, which she picked from her parents.
Along with chefs Vikas Khanna, Vineet Bhatia and Ranveer Brar, parents of the four finalists judged these dishes.
Oindrila won this round with Abinas coming close second. However, Smrutisree failed to make it to the final battle. “I am happy to have come this far,” she said.
Oindrila and Abinas were then presented the chef coats.
Thereafter, the two finalists were blindfolded and there was a surprise for them.
Abinas’ paternal grandma had arrived to cheer him in the final round. Though blindfolded, he could immediately recognise her by her touch and was seen resting his head on her lap.
“I always wanted to cook in front of my grandma and I feel blessed to have her around on this big day,” said Abinas, who went on to win the MasterChef India Season 6.
