How Australian MasterChef reruns got Bollywood star through lockdown

Bollywood star Tamannaah is soaking up all Melbourne has to offer, revealing her love for the city was sparked by old episodes of MasterChef.

Bolywood superstar Tamannaah in Melbourne. Picture: Instagram

Bollywood star Tamannaah has arrived in town and immediately professed a love for Melbourne coffee and old episodes of MasterChef Australia

Tamannaah, an actor who appears in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi movies, is here for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM).

A friend has already briefed her on the wonders of Melbourne coffee.

“I’m a coffee addict, so I’ll be in the highest spirits because a good coffee makes my day,” she said.

Tamannaah also hosts MasterChef India, but says the shows takes all its cues from the Australian originator, with Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan.

“During lockdowns, there were numerous times we went back to old episodes of Masterchef Australia. It’s so much fun,” she said.

Bollywood superstar Tamannaah at Southgate

Tamannaah ventures riverside while in Melbourne. Picture: Instagram

Tamannaah has already nominated her Melbourne favourites ... good coffee and MasterChef Australia. Picture: Instagram

Tamannaah at the Arts Centre preparing for the Indian Film Festival f Melbourne. Picture: David Caird

Tamannaah in Melbourne. Picture: David Caird

Tamannaah will attend a dance competiton at Federation Square, and a conversation event at the Arts Centre, on Saturday.

“Dance is an essential part of my life, not only as an actor, but it’s an expression of who I am,” she said. “I love what dance does to people.”

She is also keen to discuss shifting tides in Indan cinema at the festival.

“We’ve realised our power. Instead of being influenced by the west, and taking inspiration from the west, we’ve started telling our own stories with a lot more pride,” she said.

“I feel that’s made us connect a lot more with audiences internationally, versus trying to create what’s already existing.”

Tamaannah’s movie credits include 100% Love, Happy Days, Ayan Oopiri, and Paiyaa. She also has 17.4 million followers on Instagram.

“It’s very easy to get lost in that melee,” she said of social media. “I’m a 1990s kid, so I know a time of not having social media in my life.

“The pressure this generation faces is, putting the best sides of their life out there. But you don’t have to document it every time you’re having fun.”

Tamannaah has 17.4 million followers on Instagram. Picture: Instagram

Asked about being a movie sex symbol, Tamannaah said times had changed since she firs entered the film industry.

“In the past, there was a lot more objectification,” she said. “I think, as actors, we have to choose parts that are empowering and present us in our true light and spirit.”

The IFFM runs until August 20.