Vikas Khanna replaces Akshay Kumar in 'MasterChef India 2'

Chef Vikas Khanna has replaced actor Akshay Kumar as a judge for the second season of the reality show MasterChef India.

Star Plus, which will air the culinary show shortly, has announced that the show will be hosted and judged by renowned Indian chef Vikas Khanna.

The second season titled as Ab Badlo India Apne Khaane ka Andaaz envisages to bring a shift in the conventional paradigm regarding the Indian palate, especially the way food has been cooked and served in the country.

The first season of the show was hosted and judged by Akshay.

According to the organisers, chef Vikas's gastronomic philosophy is to deliver innovative and luxurious meals, laying special emphasis on ingredients' taste, flavours and textures, which have won many hearts across the globe.

Vikas, who started his own catering business at 17, is the executive chef at Junoon Restaurant in New York.

He has made a series of documentary films which explored food sharing practiced by different faiths across the globe.

Vikas had even cooked a special meal based on 'satvik' recipe at the White House on a special occasion in the past.

He will be seen as a judge alongside chef Ajay Chopra and chef Kunal Kapoor for the second season of the show.

The show will replete multiple celebrity guests and glamorous offsite locations, the organisers said.