“From a Small Café to the Biggest Kitchen Stage – The Gandhe Brothers Cooked Their Way to Glory.”
The culinary world witnessed an exciting moment as Ajinkya and Vikram Gandhe from Nagpur were crowned the winners of MasterChef India 2026 (Season 9). The grand finale aired on Sony TV and SonyLIV on March 6, 2026, where the brother duo impressed the judges with their creativity, teamwork, and modern interpretation of traditional Indian flavours.
Table of Contents
- Who Won MasterChef India 2026
- Finalists of the Season
- Winner Prize and Rewards
- The Gandhe Brothers’ Journey
- Celebrations in Nagpur
Who Won MasterChef India 2026
The winners of MasterChef India Season 9 are the Nagpur-based brother duo Ajinkya Gandhe (27) and Vikram Gandhe (30).
They became the first pair in the show’s history to reach the finale and eventually win the title.
The brothers, who run a café in Nagpur, Maharashtra, impressed judges throughout the season by combining traditional Marathi cuisine with contemporary plating techniques. Their consistent performance and perfect teamwork helped them stand out among other contestants.
Finalists of MasterChef India Season 9
The grand finale featured three talented pairs competing for the prestigious title:
- Ajinkya Gandhe & Vikram Gandhe – Nagpur, Maharashtra
- Anju Pradhan & Manju Ojha – Odisha
- Chandana & Sai Sri Rachakonda – Hyderabad
During the finale challenge, contestants prepared an elaborate multi-course meal. The Gandhe brothers’
innovative menu and flawless execution impressed the judges the most, ultimately securing their victory.
Winner Prize and Rewards
As winners of MasterChef India 2026, Ajinkya and Vikram received:
- 🏆 The MasterChef India Season 9 Trophy
- 💰 A cash prize
- 🍽️ A special culinary package offering opportunities to showcase their cuisine on national platforms
These rewards will help the duo expand their culinary journey and introduce their unique flavours to a wider audience.
The Gandhe Brothers’ Inspiring Journey
Ajinkya and Vikram are known for running a small yet popular café in Nagpur. Their passion for
regional Indian cuisine became the highlight of their journey on the show.
Throughout the season they were frequently called “judges’ favourites” due to their:
- Strong teamwork
- Creative fusion of regional flavours
- Clean and precise execution
- Emotional bond and disciplined approach
Their cooking style celebrated the authenticity of Maharashtrian and regional Indian dishes,
while presenting them in modern and visually stunning ways.
Nagpur Celebrates Its Culinary Champions
After the finale aired, Nagpur erupted in celebration. Social media platforms were flooded with
congratulatory messages for the Gandhe brothers.
Even Maharashtra’s Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari congratulated them publicly, calling their victory
a proud moment for the city.
With this historic win, Ajinkya and Vikram Gandhe are now seen as rising culinary ambassadors for Nagpur and Central India, inspiring young chefs and food entrepreneurs across the country.
The victory of Ajinkya and Vikram Gandhe in MasterChef India 2026 proves that passion, teamwork,
and creativity can transform a small café dream into a national culinary triumph.