Sony AATH adapts ‘Worst Cooks in America’ for new Bengali unscripted reality series

The series pairs culinary novices from the regional entertainment industry with professional chefs, testing their ability to handle kitchen tasks under time constraints and unscripted conditions.

Filmmaker Raj Chakraborty, who directs the production, confirmed the broadcaster acquired the official adaptation rights to the long-running U.S. reality franchise, marking his return to unscripted television after several years.

"This show is basically based on a show called 'Worst Cooks in America' and we've made it with their copyright," Chakraborty said, adding that each episode blends humor and interpersonal drama with genuine culinary tasks.

Actor Ankush Hazra hosts the show. Hazra noted that the format works by removing familiar public figures from their typical professional environments and placing them in high-pressure, unfamiliar situations.

Actor Ankush Hazra hosting the announcement event of the reality show Raandhuni Na Kaanduni. Photo: Aviskek Mitra/IBNS

The contestant lineup includes actors and public figures such as Kanchan Mullick, Sreemoyee Chattoraj Mullick, Iman Chakraborty, Rupanjana Mitra, Darshana Banik, Saurav Das, and Sujoy Prasad Chatterjee.

Restaurateur Chef Doma Wang and Chef Priyam Chatterjee serve as resident mentors, overseeing the contestants' technical preparation and evaluating the final dishes.

Wang remarked that the dynamic relies on balancing serious culinary instruction with the unpredictable mistakes common to amateur cooks.

Ambesh Tiwari, business head of Sony Yay and Sony Aath, framed the launch as part of the network’s strategy to diversify into original non-fiction programming alongside its established scripted slate.

'Raandhuni Na Kaanduni' will air on linear channel Sony Aath and stream concurrently on the OTT platform Sony LIV.