MUMBAI: The country's longest running and most popular cookery show on Indian television is back in a revamped format on Zee TV. .
Sanjeev Kapoor, who made cooking a respectable, almost glamorous occupation via his Khana Khazana, is back with a new kitchen and fresh gimmicks on Zee from 26 August at 1:30 pm. This time round, the show is garnished with new sets, new graphics and new recipes, claims the channel. Fresh ingredients like themes for each episode (kids' party, vrat ka khana, low calorie food) and guest segments have been added to the basic format of the show. The guest segment will have a prominent celebrity invited on the set to interact with Kapoor and help him prepare the day's recipe.
Says Kapoor, "This is not a relaunch. Simply becauseKhana Khazana was never away. We have always been there. The telecast has been without any break." Zee's Khana Khazana, which made its debut in 1993, has had a run of over 450 episodes, all managed single handedly by Kapoor since the show's inception. The chef's rapport with audiences and his knack of converting even the most complex of culinary exercises into easy-to-dish-out dishes have ensured that the programme, the pioneer in the host of cookery shows that later followed on rival channels, retained its popularity and appeal among viewers. The programme, at the peak of its popularity, enjoyed a viewership of 150 million in 53 countries. Says Kapoor, " Khana Khazana has stayed because from day one it struck the chords in many a food lovers' heart. And , the original is always difficult to duplicate. People are smart. They know a good thing when they see it and then remain loyal to it.
Following the stupendous success of the show, Zee and Kapoor followed up with a spate of recipe books, CD ROMs and contests tied to the show. While the earlier telecast timing was Saturday noon with a repeat telecast on Sunday at 1.30 pm, the new KK is aired on Sunday noons, with a repeat is on Saturday 11.30 am. Kapoor says the only difference in his attire is that the chef's uniform has been replaced by casuals and an apron. "Maybe this will encourage other male viewers that wearing an apron and dishing up exotic dishes on Sunday can be a lot of fun!" he says.
