Samatha Ruth Prabhu Takes Lead on Celebrity MasterChef Tamil Amid Pregnancy

Veteran actress Samatha Ruth Prabhu has stepped into the spotlight of Tamil television as the lead host of Celebrity MasterChef Tamil, a cooking competition that blends celebrity glamour with culinary expertise. Speaking about her childhood memories, Samatha revealed that she used to watch MasterChef with her mother, turning the program into a cherished weekend ritual.

"Being on this show is deeply personal for me," she said. "When I was a kid, the MasterChef episodes were family events, and my mother and I would watch them together. To now host a similar format feels like coming full circle."

She added that the series is designed for viewers of all ages, making it an ideal platform for a mother‑to‑be who wants to connect with audiences nationwide. RJ Vijay will co‑host, while culinary judges Venkatesh Bhat, Shashi Chelia and Shreya Adka will evaluate the contestants' dishes.

The contestant list includes Abhi, Balaji Murugadoss, Dhaana, Janani Ashok, Maria Juliana, Mathichyam Bala, Ravi Maria, Reshmi Menon, RJ Deepak, Shiyara, Siddharth, and Vinothini. Banijay Asia oversees production, and the series premieres on Sony Viva and Sony LIV at 8 pm on Monday.

Samatha also confirmed her pregnancy in June 2026, sharing that she and husband Raj Nidimoru are preparing for the arrival of their first child. She announced a brief hiatus from acting to focus on motherhood, while continuing to engage fans through her new hosting role.