Karan Kundrra on his return to Laughter Chef 2: I’m just a Laughter Chef, not competing with Tejasswi Prakash in the kitchen

Tejasswi Prakash and Karan Kundrra

Karan Kundrra, the popular actor, has returned to the much-loved TV show Laughter Chef 2, and he is excited to be a part of the fun-filled culinary journey once again. In an exclusive chat with India Today Digital, Karan spoke about his delayed entry into the show and why he is more of a "Laughter Chef" than a culinary expert, especially when it comes to competing with his girlfriend, Tejasswi Prakash, in the kitchen.

Karan, who made his debut as a host on Laughter Chefs in its first season, shared that his return to the show was simply a matter of time. He mentioned that there were no particular reasons for his delayed entry and that it was just a part of the natural flow of things.

"I remember my first meeting at Viacom, the first question I asked them was why me? I don’t cook, and they were like, just come, it would be fun," Karan recalled. The actor went on to say that when the show was first conceived, no one knew exactly what they wanted or how it would unfold. Even during the first day of shooting, the crew was still figuring out the structure of the show. "Honestly, we were still figuring out what to do, and how it would go on the first day. None of us knew that it would become such a massive show, and not just in India but also internationally," he said. He added that the success of Laughter Chefs defied the belief that reality shows require fights and controversies to succeed. "People often feel that if there are no fights and controversies, reality shows wouldn’t be able to work. But Laughter Chefs has changed the notion, and I am so glad we could offer something so unique and new to the audience."

When asked about his own cooking skills, Karan candidly admitted that he has never cooked but always respected those who worked in the kitchen at home. "I wasn’t dumb to not understand how difficult cooking is, but thanks to the show, I also realized how fun it can be," he said. However, he was quick to add that he would never dare to compete with Tejasswi in the kitchen. "But I don’t dare to enter the kitchen at home, especially with Teju (Tejasswi Prakash) around. I will never compete with her when it comes to cooking, as I am just a Laughter Chef, but she is totally a MasterChef," he chuckled.

Karan also discussed how shows like Laughter Chefs and other celebrity cooking shows are helping to normalize the idea of men cooking. He pointed out that male chefs have long been a part of the Indian television scene, so it isn't entirely surprising to see men in the kitchen. However, he acknowledged that the traditional belief in many Indian households is that the kitchen is a woman’s domain, and many men feel uncomfortable in that space. "However, I think it's changing firstly because of convenience, and if these shows are making it a fun thing, nothing like it," he said.

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The theme of Laughter Chefs 2 revolves around 'dinnertainment,' where families can enjoy dinner while being entertained. Karan shared that Indian families have long enjoyed meals together while watching TV, citing iconic moments like Mihir’s death on Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. "Remember when Mihir died on a Monday? The nation was hooked on to their television for the entire week. Ever since satellite TV came to India, dinner and entertainment have been hand in hand," he said. He believes that shows like Laughter Chefs have only added to the fun of family dinners.

With the second season of Laughter Chefs continuing to spread laughter and joy, Karan Kundrra’s cheerful and easygoing nature shines, reminding viewers that sometimes the kitchen can be a place for fun and entertainment, even for those who aren’t culinary experts.