Some journeys do not come with instant applause. They quietly build, evolve and eventually return to where they began, stronger and louder. That is exactly what makes Sanjyot Kheer’s return to MasterChef India so special. For Sanjyot Kheer, this moment is not about nostalgia alone. It is about growth, belief and stepping into a space he once observed from the sidelines, now as a leader in the kitchen.

In a defining full circle moment, Sanjyot Kheer returned to the MasterChef India set not behind the camera but at the centre of the action. On 6 February 2026, he stepped in as a special judge and episode host, leading a high-pressure elimination round and bringing his signature warmth and authority to the iconic kitchen.

Chef Sanjyot’s Journey From Behind the Scenes to the Spotlight

Back in 2014, long before millions knew his face, Chef Sanjyot was part of the MasterChef India production team. Working quietly behind the scenes, he observed the craft, pressure and storytelling that made the show what it is. That early exposure would unknowingly shape the next decade of his life.

Inspired by his time on the show, Sanjyot Kheer launched YourFoodLab in April 2016. At the time, India’s creator economy was still in its early days. What followed was a steady rise that turned YourFoodLab into the country’s largest digital first culinary platform, with one of the strongest digital footprints among chefs in India.

Chef Sanjyot Brings Cook Along Magic to MasterChef India

One of the most exciting highlights of this comeback was the integration of Cook Along with Sanjyot Kheer into MasterChef India. The format was specially requested by the show’s producers, making it a rare crossover from digital to television.

Known for featuring global and Indian icons like Ed Sheeran, Ajay Devgn, Sourav Ganguly, Sanya Malhotra and Tanmay Bhat, the format saw Sanjyot Kheer doing more than judging. He cooked alongside contestants, guided them through the challenge and helped shape the narrative of the elimination episode, making the experience more immersive and relatable.

Sanjyot Kheer and the New Face of Food Entertainment

This return is bigger than one episode. Sanjyot Kheer represents a new generation of creator led culinary talent where chefs are storytellers, hosts and IP builders, not just experts in the kitchen. His presence on MasterChef India signals a shift in how food entertainment is evolving in the country.

Reflecting on the moment, Sanjyot Kheer shared that returning to MasterChef felt like coming home, but with years of learning, building and belief behind him. Today, YourFoodLab stands as proof of that journey, bridging traditional television and digital first storytelling while redefining how India consumes food content.