Dehradun boy Sarthak Bhardwaj informs Divya Kaushik that the cooking reality show has made him learn about the use of uncommon ingredients and herbs
Cooking was never a big task to this 12-year-old. He has been famous for his Maggi point in Dehradun and now Sarthak Bhardwaj is making fans from across the country, courtesy Junior MasterChef Swaad Ke Ustaad on Star Plus. One of the contestants on the show is enjoying every bit of his new life in Mumbai. Apart from shooting and interacting with contestants and judges on various ingredients and cooking styles, he is enjoying playing various games. “People often ask us how we manage to be here in Mumbai for so long, they don’t realise we make so many friends and have so much of fun,” said Sarthak. The only thing he is missing is playing football. “Also I would like to go out more often and see the beaches of Mumbai. I have never been to the beaches. Since I have come to Mumbai I have only got a chance to visit Mahalaskhsmi temple,” he added.
Sarthak has been a favourite with his co-contestants and judges, who were impressed by the litti chokha he presented during the Delhi auditions. “I learnt what my mother used to cook. Interest in cooking comes naturally to me and my mother helped me learn the nuances of cooking. After coming to the show I have learnt more. I know about so many ingredients like thyme, basil, oregano and their usage. I have got a good exposure through the show. I also get a chance to think differently and create new dishes,” he said and added that he enjoys making cakes most. “Baking is too much fun. Some feel that it is tough to come up with a perfect cake but I enjoy the process and love adding more colours to my cake,” he said.
Cooking, he says is only his hobby and he never thought he would be a professional chef. “The reason I came to MasterChef was for my mother. It was her dream and she is really happy to see me here. I want to clear my NDA exams and be like one of those I see in Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun. The academy is very close to my home and I really like the way those guys and trained. I want to be like them. Cooking I will always do as a hobby,” he said.
Among the three judges, he is particularly fond of chef Vikas Khanna. When asked why, he said, “Because both of us learnt cooking from our mothers. like I give credit to my mother for achieving whatever I have till date, he also never forgets to mention his mom when someone mentions his achievements. I love the way he makes us understand things,” he said.
Apart from honing his cooking skills, Sarthak feels the show has given him confidence. “I am not afraid of even losing. We all are here to learn. I am more confident of my skills now,” he ended.