Vir Sanghvi, renowned journalist, is the host for India's first web-based talent hunt, WebChef.

In November 2013 FameBox - a multi-channel talent platform for digital media - announced the launch of WebChef, India's first web-based talent hunt.

A search for the best amateur chef in India, the online reality show (live at www.youtube.com/user/FameboxWebchef) called for contestants to send in video entries of themselves preparing - and talking about - their signature dishes. The shortlisted entries will battle each other in a finale hosted and judged by renowned journalist and talk-show host Vir Sanghvi.

Why cooking? "As a country we are passionate about our food and we can boast of a diverse culinary pedigree." said Dhruvank Vaidya, Head - Business Development & Finance, Four Cross Media and Business Head - FameBox. "There's a star cook in every home across the country, nurturing family recipes and secret ingredients that have been passed through the ages.

"At FameBox", he continues, "we wanted to draw out the hidden talent and bring the rich cuisine of India into the limelight - and, what better way to do this than the Web? WebChef stays true to our vision of finding and grooming web-stars. With digital platforms growing in popularity and the increasing demand for video content, a web-based show about food is just what Indian audiences have been craving for!"

Stay tuned for more action and updates on: www.fameboxwebchef.com/home

Commenting on this unique talent hunt, Vir Sanghvi said, "This is the first chance that India’s  best home cooks have been given to prove  that the best food in this country is not in restaurants but in people’s own kitchens .."

Entries for WebChef closed on January 15, 2014, and for the next 3 weeks contestants will be judged on their creativity and conceptualisation, their preparation and presentation - all the things you look for in a really great meal. Food Fans from across India will be voting for their favourites, and you can vote too at https://www.facebook.com/FameBoxNetwork/app_115462065200508.

As contestants vie for views, the finalists - based on a combination of Vir's Choice and fan votes - will be flown to the ITC Grand Chola, Chennai for the ultimate showdown. Here, India's 5 top amateur cooks will enter an intensive 3 round cook-off, where a panel of experts will crown one lucky winner India's best WebChef.

5 lucky finalists will get into an intensive 3 round cook-off to see who will be crowned India's best "WebChef".

The lucky winner will not only receive 1 lakh prize money, but may also emerge as the next Webstar, as he or she will have the opportunity to partner with Famebox to set-up, manage and monetise their independent YouTube channel.

Stay tuned for more action and updates on: www.fameboxwebchef.com/home

Interview with WebChef Contestant:Yuvraj Jadhav.

Profession: Businessmen

About Myself: : I Am 26 yrs Old & a Management Graduate from S.P Jain University and have been working In our Family Business Since 2007. I Have No professional experience of cooking in any form. It is just trial and error by watching videos online and creating my own recipes. Over the years I have created my own page on Facebook 'Yuvraj's Kitchen' and have added recipes of different varieties.        

 

What kind of Cooking do you prefer?

: I prefer cooking new dishes or cooking regional dishes by giving my own twist to them.

If you had your own YouTube Channel, what would you cover in it?

I would cover dishes from all aver the country, different dishes in the world & also fitness related food & exercises.

Interview with WebChef Contestant - Madhushree R. Rao

Student (final year BA at Mount Carmel College, Bangalore)

About Myself: I took to cooking as a child (6/7 years) where some of my most painful experiences have occurred in the kitchen. I had contemplated taking up culinary arts after 12th std but instead decided to pursue a BA in History, Economics and Sociology at Mount Carmel College since I knew cooking would always be a part of me. I love travelling having been on two fabulous trips this past year- Bhutan, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh. All I hope for with this golden opportunity is to travel a lot more, eat a lot more and cook even more!

What kind of Cooking do you prefer?

Simple home cooking and occasional baking. I like to experiment with exotic ingredients (mostly fruits and vegetables).

If you had your own YouTube Channel, what would you cover in it?

Simple Konkani recipes (vegetarian and seafood) that I've learnt from my mother and grandmother.

Interview with WebChef Contestant - Sneha Dutta    

Student  

About Myself: : I am currently pursuing a Post Graduation Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from MIT,Pune; and I've graduated with a degree in English Honours. I discovered my love for baking during the 7th/8th Standard, about 8-9 years ago. I learnt the basics from my aunt and gradually started experimenting on my own as I progressed through the years. I follow my heart and most of the time that results in going against the tide.

What kind of cooking do your prefer?

 The kind of cooking that I prefer: My true love lies in baking, but other than that I also like to roast, grill and fry food up. 

If you had your own YouTube Channel, what would you cover in it?

I am a big fan of shows like Nigella Kitchen, Nigella Feasts and Poh's Kitchen and it has been a dream of mine to host a show like that. I would incorporate elements like learning from amateur cooks or homemakers and learn their kitchen secrets that have been passed down from generation to generation and try amalgamating them with my own style.