Masterchef India contestant Aruna Vijay wants to break the stereotypes about South Indian food!

“I want to take South Indian cuisine to the international level,” says Top 12 contestant Aruna Vijay about representation and pride for Tamil Nadu and South Indian cuisine on “Masterchef India”.

The top 15 contestants of Sony Entertainment Television’s “MasterChef India,” a culinary reality format show, have been chosen to continue in their quest to be named a Chef from a home cook. Aruna Vijay from Chennai is one of the lucky 15 to be selected, and on the show, she is here to break the stereotypes about South Indian food. Talking about taking her home state, Tamil Nadu’s cuisine on the global map, she takes pride in the rice culinary flavours of the state down south and how they go beyond just “idli” and “dosa”. Here, she reveals her ambitions for coming on the show and why she wants to be declared “MasterChef” by judges Vikas Khanna, Garima Arora and Ranveer Brar.

How do you feel about your presence on “Masterchef India”?

I am really honoured to have the opportunity to represent the cuisine and culture of my home state, Tamil Nadu. It is a significant deal for me to have the opportunity to put southern food on the national map, as many people take south Indian cuisine for granted and believe we simply eat idlis, dosas, and rice, which is not the case. Having the chance to disprove this type of stereotype makes me feel elated. I am proud to be representing my home state on a national platform like ‘MasterChef’ because, through my presence, I will be able to evolve people’s mindset about Tamil Nadu and its flavourful cuisine. We really are a rich state, bursting with flavours and I am only but a medium of spreading the word about Tamilian cuisine.

How does it feel to represent the cuisine of Tamil Nadu on national television?

It is an honour for me to represent south Indian cuisine, Tamil Nadu cuisine, on national television. I am being given the opportunity to represent the food that I love and the state that I come from on a national level, where I have been called the “culinary ambassador” for the state, and I cannot imagine a greater situation. There of course is the responsibility of representation and correct representation that I shoulder. It’s not only pride that courses through me when I think about my purpose on the show for Tamil Nadu but also immense love for my home. I feel like I invite viewers every day to my kitchen whenever I cook on the show and show them a glimpse into the culinary history of Tamil Nadu.

How has your journey been so far?

The journey has been wonderful thus far. There have been minor ups and downs but I believe it’s getting back on track. I am pleased with whatever occurred in the kitchen today, so I believe things are going well thus far. There have been times when I am not happy with my plate and many times when I am and that goes to show how a cook really puts their blood, sweat and tears into plating their creation. I feel no less than an artist at work, painting with masalas and ingredients. No journey is without its hurdles and of course, I have foreseen my difficulties but they only challenge me, my inner Chef. Thus, my journey is my ladder to success.

What was your husband’s reaction when you were chosen for “Masterchef India” after he encouraged you to apply?

There was no reaction because he was so sure about my selection for “Masterchef India” that the news did not surprise him. It was a surprise to me, but not to him, as I was the one who was uncertain about being chosen. I had my doubts but with my husband’s continuous support, those doubts began to dissipate. I do not have time to flounder in the show, I have to prove my worth. I represent my home, my family, my Tamil Nadu and I cannot let them down.

What are your plans for the exposure and experience you are gaining from the show? Do you intend to operate a restaurant?

One thing I always keep in mind is to take one day at a time. Once the show is over and I return home, I will take a break and not cook for a few days, and then I will plan out how things will work. There is so much that South Indian cuisine can offer in terms of food and flavours, and I am determined about showcasing my cuisine in a variety of styles and formats and distributing it worldwide in order to dispel the stigma of south Indian cuisine. I want to represent Tamil Nadu cuisine in a unique way, such as by hosting pop-ups, in various locations and nations, and I want to take my cuisine to the international level.

Tune in to ‘MasterChef India’, every Monday-Friday at 9 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and SonyLIV.

Keerti Kadam.