The surprising reason MasterChef Australia is ratings smash in INDIA

Revealed: The surprising reason why MasterChef Australia is a ratings smash in INDIA… where the judges enjoy Hollywood levels of fame

It is one of Australia’s most popular cooking shows.

But MasterChef is also a global phenomenon, with millions of viewers in India tuning in to watch the program for one surprising reason. 

In addition to the on-screen drama and impressive cooking, Indians love the diverse selection of amateur chefs.  

Revealed: The surprising reason why MasterChef Australia is a ratings smash in India. Pictured: MasterChef judge Matt Preston

MasterChef is among India’s highest-rating English language shows and last week’s finale was one of the country’s most-watched broadcasts. 

Fans were even complaining about having to wait two days after the finale aired in Australia to watch it on Indian television.

As reported by TV Tonight, MasterChef’s popularity in India is attributable to the many nations and cultures represented by its contestants.

Last year, for example, Singaporean-born Sashi Cheliah won by specialising with his South Asian cuisine.

Popular: MasterChef is among India's highest-rating English language shows and last week's finale was one of the country's most-watched broadcasts. Pictured: 2019 winner Larissa Takchi

Popular: MasterChef is among India’s highest-rating English language shows and last week’s finale was one of the country’s most-watched broadcasts. Pictured: 2019 winner Larissa Takchi

Meanwhile, the departure of veteran judges Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris last week has also been making headlines in India.

Local radio stations, as well as major magazines including Vogue India, have reported on the trio’s exit from the show. 

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald in 2013, Matt discussed his experience of travelling to India without realising he was a celebrity over there.

‘I went to India the year before last and the boys [Gary and George] went there last year and we both had the same experience,’ he said. 

Diverse: As reported by TV Tonight, MasterChef's popularity in India is attributable to the many nations and cultures represented by its contestants. Pictured: Judges Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and George Calombaris

Diverse: As reported by TV Tonight, MasterChef’s popularity in India is attributable to the many nations and cultures represented by its contestants. Pictured: Judges Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and George Calombaris

‘We felt like Johnny Depp, it was very freaky to a level that we haven’t seen here.’

Matt claimed the show is loved by Indians because it focuses on relatable topics.  

‘It’s about family, the importance of sitting around a table… and it resonates in India as much as it resonates here,’ he added. 

'We felt like Johnny Depp': Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald in 2013, Matt (right) discussed his experience of travelling to India without realising he was a celebrity over there

‘We felt like Johnny Depp’: Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald in 2013, Matt (right) discussed his experience of travelling to India without realising he was a celebrity over there 

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