Dehradun's Sarthak crowned inaugural 'Junior MasterChef'

Dehradun-based Sarthak Bharadwaj took home the winner's trophy of the first season of the kids' cooking reality show "Junior MasterChef - Swaad Ke Ustaad" at a star-studded grand finale here Saturday.

For the finale, Sarthak competed against Lucknow's Sakshi Tripathi and Mumbai's Emanuel. Their last mission was 'swaad wahi, soch nayi' (same taste, different thought).

Judged by Vikas Khanna, Surjan Singh Jolly and Kunal Kapoor, the show went on air Aug 17 on Star Plus.

A special panel of five judges was also called to taste the final dish of the three finalists. The panelists were small screen actress Neelu Waghela ("Bhabho" in "Diya Aur Baati Hum"), choreographer Terence Lewis, "Masterchef Season 3" winner Ripudaman Handa, "Masterchef 3" contestant Khoku Patra and Chef Sabby.

All eight judges gave marks to the top three for their dishes. Sarthak obtained the highest marks.

A golden chef coat, a Rs.20 lakh scholarship and Rs.1 lakh from Kotak added to the sweetness of his victory.

Sakshi, the first runner-up took home a scholarship of Rs.10 lakh. Emanuel received a scholarship of Rs.5 lakh.

The 11-week series started with 10 participants from all over the country. It showcased the cooking abilities of children between the ages of eight and twelve.

Comedian Kapil Sharma hosted the grand finale.

The three finalists made a grand entry in the show by grooving to some hit tracks like "Radha" and "Besharam".

They also received Diwali presents from the judges and medals, courtesy Amul.

The evening also saw an entertaining act by "India's Dancing Superstar" winner MJ5.

Their performance was followed by Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha entering the show with the golden chef coat.

The actress was there to promote her upcoming film "Bullett Raja". She also grooved a few steps to the song "Tamanche pe disco".

Celebrity couple dance reality show "Nach Baliye 6" contestant Ridhi Dogra and her husband, actor Raqesh Bapat, jived to "Badtameez dil" from superhit movie "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani", "Gulabi" from "Shuddh Desi Romance" and "Meri aashiqui" from "Aashiqui 2".