A mother–daughter duo from Telangana, Chandana and Sai Sri Rachakonda, made their mark on the national culinary stage by finishing as the second runners-up in MasterChef India Season 9, whose grand finale was held on Friday.
This season of MasterChef India introduced a new family ‘jodi’ format, where contestants competed in pairs with family members. Chandana and Sai Sri were the only pair representing the Telugu states and South India in the competition.
Strong performance in unique ‘jodi’ format
Thousands of aspiring cooks from across India participated in the show, but the Telangana pair stood out with their creativity, teamwork and distinctive regional flavours.
The judging panel featured renowned chefs Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar, and Kunal Kapur, whose reunion added excitement and prestige to the competition.
The winners of the season were Ajinkya and Vikram Gandhe, brothers from Nagpur. Anju Pradhan and Manju Ojha, sisters from Odisha, secured the first runner-up position.
Chandana and Sai Sri finished in third place overall as second runners-up, reportedly receiving a cash prize of ₹5 lakh. The winning duo was awarded ₹20 lakh, the golden trophy and the first-ever “Golden Chef Coat” for a pair.
Celebrating Telugu culinary traditions
Throughout the competition, the mother–daughter duo impressed the judges with dishes inspired by the flavours of Telangana.
One of their most memorable creations was “Desi Musaca” infused with Telangana flavours, which received appreciation for its originality and unique blend of regional ingredients.
Their journey highlighted the rich food traditions of the Telugu states and brought regional cuisine into the national spotlight.
A journey rooted in family and passion
Sai Sri, originally from Mancherial district in Telangana, is currently pursuing engineering in Hyderabad and has long been passionate about cooking.
Her culinary journey was influenced by her family’s catering business Siri Caters, founded by her father, where she gained hands-on experience in professional cooking.
Sai Sri had previously competed in MasterChef India Telugu Season 1, where she finished in sixth place, making her the first contestant to participate across different language versions of the MasterChef franchise.
She has also launched her own food venture Elipaya Karam in Madhapur, Hyderabad.
A proud moment for the Telugu states
Reflecting on the competition, Sai Sri shared that the journey was about much more than cooking. It involved dedication, perseverance and a deep love for food.
For Chandana and Sai Sri, reaching the finale and securing a top position in the national competition represents not just personal success but also recognition for the culinary traditions of the Telugu states.
Their achievement has inspired many aspiring chefs and home cooks, proving that passion, teamwork and family support can turn dreams into reality.