Sashi Cheliah on Samantha Ruth Prabhu, MasterChef Tamil and his unconventional journey: ‘Definitely a big asset’

Sashi Cheliah, a seasoned law enforcement professional, decided to pursue a career in cooking after spending over two decades in various roles, including police officer and weapons specialist. His decision led him to compete on MasterChef Australia, where he emerged victorious in Season 10. Since then, he has returned to the show as a judge on Celebrity MasterChef Tamil.

Cheliah reflects on his life-changing experience after winning MasterChef Australia. He notes that while winning the competition gave him a significant advantage in the culinary world, transitioning to the industry proved challenging. However, his journey since then has been fruitful, with him starting a restaurant and continuing to cook and grow in the field he loves.

Cheliah discusses his transition from being a contestant to a judge on Celebrity MasterChef Tamil. He expresses his excitement at being on the other side of the table, having experienced the pressure of the competition firsthand as a contestant. He emphasizes how his understanding of the contestant's mindset allows him to connect with them on a deeper level.

When asked about the differences between Celebrity MasterChef Tamil and its Australian counterpart, Cheliah explains that while the format remains similar, the show is localized to appeal to the Tamil audience. Despite the added entertainment and laughter, cooking and food remain the central focus, maintaining the high standards of MasterChef.

Cheliah shares that his Indian heritage and upbringing in Singapore have influenced his culinary approach. He likens his cooking to a fusion of two distinct cultures, incorporating elements from both cuisines. This background has shaped his perspective on food, allowing him to appreciate and incorporate diverse flavors into his dishes.