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GOURMETS (left to right) Geetha Abraham, Sherin Koshy and Sherin Musthafa are the three finalists; producer of `Pachaka Rani,' Betty Louis Baby

“Food is quintessential for survival. All families may not have singers and dancers, but every house definitely has a cook. In a patriarchal system, a woman is left with no choice. She has to cook and it is a chore that is taken for granted,” says Betty Baby. She says a cookery contest in Dubai was the motivating factor.

The overwhelming response by the participants there assured her that a reality show based on cooking would appeal to the masses. She adds: “There were many risks involved but the Kairali TV management approved of the idea immediately." The management’s decision inspired her to take ‘Pachaka Rani’ from an idea to a reality.

The next challenge was to select the judges. Taste is subjective and varies from person to person. Betty decided to opt for Lakshmi Nair, who anchors ‘Magic Oven.’ Eminent chefs such as Pradeep of Hotel Mascot and Shashi Jacob of Muthoot Plaza and actor and gourmet Suresh Krishna are the other judges.

There have been occasions when deciding the better dish was a Herculean task. It is only then one realizes the need for such an expert panel, she says.

If selecting the judges was a tough task, selecting the participants from the hundred of applications was even tougher. Women from cities and rural areas enthusiastically sent in applications to be a part of the show. “Perhaps this is why there is an extraordinary combination of ingredients resulting in innovative and sumptuous dishes. ‘Kozhi ada’ and ‘Bittergourd Payasam’ are some of the unusual snacks that were made by participants." Betty adds that this show has been a learning experience for everyone involved. Participants become more creative and confident while viewers learn many unique recipes. The show also encouraged many youngsters to try their hand at cooking.

Unlike the initial stages, the rounds became tougher after the ‘Mano dharmam’ round. Participants were given odd combinations of ingredients with a specific base item and then asked to experiment. The results were astounding. After weeks of cutting, stirring, grinding, marinating and cooking three finalists have been shortlisted – Sherin Koshy from the city, Sherin Musthafa from Kozhikode and Geetha Abraham from Thiruvalla.

The winner will be selected on the basis of a three-course dinner prepared by each of the finalists. Watch out for winners who will be announced on February 2.

After the success of ‘Pachaka Rani,’ Betty has another show lined up for men. It is a ‘Men’s only Cookery’ show that will go on air on February 11.

Betty says this will definitely break many conventions. It aims to shatter any inhibitions that men have about their culinary skills. There will be an episode where a celebrity will cook.

‘Pachaka Rani’ was more a celebration of cooking. Betty recalls fond memories of how the programme seemed more like family get-togethers with lots of feasting and fun. Another factor that the production team kept in mind was to club food with nature. The sets were all natural to highlight the real magnificence of God’s own country. Be it Kovalam or Kanakkunnu Palace grounds in the city or Chaaliyarpuzha in Kozhikode, or Bolgatty Palace in Kochi, each depict the poetic splendour of Kerala.

Betty feels that it is the work of senior cameraman P.Sreekumar and his team that has enriched the programme.

For a change it is the crew who gets to act once the cooking is done. All wait for the ‘Action’ to attack the delicacies awaiting them after the shoot is over, she says laughing.

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