We’re up to the final three in this year’s MasterChef competition, and 39-year-old prison officer, Sashi Cheliah is pegged as a favourite to win.
Sashi learned to cook at the hand of his mother in Singapore, and has a diverse knowledge of Indian, Chinese and Malaysian cuisines.
Aside from his already-impressive skills in the kitchen, Sashi has the passion for experimenting with new dishes.
Woman’s Day chatted to Sashi in the lead up to the semi-finals to find out how he’s feeling.
The MasterChef kitchen is much harder than working in a jail, says Sashi.
What would it mean for you to win MasterChef?
I came into the competition with no expectations, so if I did win, it would be a dream come true!
Are any of the inmates at Adelaide Women’s Prison watching you?
My colleagues tell me they tune in every night. When I got the apron, the whole prison cheered for me – not just the women’s prison but the men’s prison cheered me on, too! I think they see it as someone from their family trying their hardest to achieve something, and that makes them proud.
Want more celeb goss? Listen to the latest episode of the Woman’s Day Uncensored Podcast, where the team discuss Simone Callahan’s big interview on A Current Affair, plus they dish palace goss on Meghan Markle and lift the lid on Ita Buttrose’s revenge
How will you pursue your food dream after the show?
My culinary dream is to start an Indian and south-east Asian fusion restaurant.
I would also like to work with the prison department to get employment for ex-convicts.
I believe in second chances and hopefully, I’ll be able to help them.
Is it harder working in a jail or the MasterChef kitchen?
The MasterChef kitchen is much harder because when I’m going to work I know what I’m expected to do!
*MASTERCHEF GRAND finale Tuesday, 7.30pm, Ten**
