When the finale of Laughter Chefs Season 2 aired on Sunday, November 23, 2025, viewers expected a clear winner. Instead, they got chaos — the kind that mirrors the show itself. Karan Kundrra and Elvish Yadav were declared champions by The Indian Express and The Times of India, but Bollywoodshaadis.com and YouTube channel Desimartini insist it was Aly Goni and Reem Shaikh who took the crown. And the confusion? It’s not just fan speculation — it’s conflicting reports from media outlets with different sources, dates, and even star counts.
Who Won? The Official Reports Clash
According to The Indian Express, Karan and Elvish clinched victory after a nail-biting final round where they served a Mexican basket trio so unforgettable that judge Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi — known for his stoic demeanor — actually saluted them. "What's precious to me is that this journey with all its fun, flaws, and flavour sends a simple but powerful message: that everyone can cook, and everyone should," Karan told the outlet. The win was decided by 50 audience members who tasted the dishes, their votes kept secret until the final moments. The same report noted that Karan, who joined midway through Season 2 after replacing Abdu Rozik, called the show "therapy" after Season 1 ended abruptly without a winner. The Times of India corroborated this, adding that Karan and Elvish earned a staggering 51 stars total across the final round, while Aly and Reem scored 38. A video from TvPromosIndia, posted August 22, 2025, even showed a Hindi transcript confirming the tally: "विनर ऑफ द लव जर्सी मेरा भोला और आग का गोला इनको मिले हैं 20 स्टार तो टोटल टोटल हो गए 51 स्टार" — "The winners of Laughter Chefs, Bhola and Aag ka Gola, got 20 stars, totaling 51." Aly and Reem, it said, received only 9 stars — 38 total.The Counter-Narrative: Who Said What When?
But here’s where it gets messy. On June 26, 2025 — five months before the finale aired — Bollywoodshaadis.com published a story titled "Laughter Chefs 2 Finale: Alleged Winners' Names Leaked," claiming Aly and Reem would win, with Karan and Elvish as runners-up. The article cited "FilmiBeat" and The Times of India (though TOI later contradicted this), and even mentioned salary figures: Aly earned ₹1.5 lakh per episode, Reem ₹1 lakh. The same piece claimed the finale was scheduled for July 26–27, 2025, despite reports that filming wrapped in June. Then there’s Desimartini, a YouTube channel with 7.8K views on its June 26 video. Their headline: "Fan-favorite duo Aly Goni and Reem Shaikh walked away as the ultimate winners." They argued that Aly topped the "STARS chart" and Reem brought "hosting charm and comic timing." They also claimed the show premiered on January 25, 2025 — which matches other reports — but insisted the finale hadn’t yet aired as of June. "Official telecast date still awaited," they wrote. That’s a red flag. If the finale aired November 23, why were they still calling it "awaited" in June?
Why the Confusion? Production Chaos and Media Missteps
The root of the conflict? A messy production timeline. Filming wrapped in June 2025, but the show’s broadcast was delayed — possibly due to scheduling conflicts or post-production bottlenecks. That gap created a vacuum where rumors became facts. Bollywoodshaadis.com and Desimartini reported based on leaked set information, not official results. Meanwhile, The Indian Express and The Times of India waited for the actual telecast, then published verified accounts. Adding fuel: the show’s format. Host Bharti Singh thrives on unpredictability. Contestants like Rubina Dilaik and Rahul Vaidya (who came third) brought unexpected energy. Sudesh Lehri’s one-liners cut through the chaos. The show was never meant to be polished — it was a wild mix of cooking, comedy, and celebrity egos. So maybe the confusion isn’t a bug — it’s a feature.What This Means for Fans and the Show’s Legacy
For viewers, this isn’t just about who won. It’s about trust. When two reputable news outlets report one outcome, and two digital platforms report another, what do you believe? The fact that TvPromosIndia — a niche channel — posted a star count that aligns with TOI and IE lends weight to Karan and Elvish’s win. But the persistence of the Aly-Reem narrative suggests a fanbase that deeply connected with their chemistry. And here’s the twist: Karan himself admitted Season 1 had no winner because it was "supposed to be a filler show." Now, Season 2 became a cultural moment. The real winner? The show itself — it sparked debate, memes, and watercooler conversations. That’s more valuable than a trophy.
What’s Next? A Season 3?
No official announcement has been made, but with ratings reportedly up 40% from Season 1, a third season is all but inevitable. If it happens, producers will need to clarify their win announcement process. No more leaked rumors. No more delayed broadcasts. Just one clear, televised declaration — with the star count on screen.For now, the official record stands: Karan Kundrra and Elvish Yadav won. But in the messy, beautiful world of reality TV, sometimes the story doesn’t end when the credits roll — it just gets louder.
Frequently Asked Questions
How was the winner of Laughter Chefs Season 2 decided?
The winner was determined by 50 audience members who tasted the final dishes and cast anonymous votes. According to The Times of India and TvPromosIndia, Karan Kundrra and Elvish Yadav received 51 stars total, while Aly Goni and Reem Shaikh received 38. The star system was revealed only during the live finale, not during episodes.
Why do some sources say Aly Goni and Reem Shaikh won?
Early reports from Bollywoodshaadis.com and Desimartini in June 2025 were based on unverified set leaks and pre-broadcast rumors. These sources incorrectly assumed the finale had already occurred or would air in July. They didn’t account for the delayed broadcast, which finally aired on November 23, 2025, confirming Karan and Elvish as winners.
Did Karan Kundrra really join Season 2 midway?
Yes. Karan replaced Abdu Rozik during the season after Rozik’s exit. He partnered with Elvish Yadav, forming a duo that quickly became fan favorites. Karan had competed in Season 1, which ended without a declared winner, making his return to Season 2 feel like a redemption arc — one he called "therapy."
What role did Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi play in determining the winner?
Chef Harpal didn’t vote, but his reactions carried weight. His rare salute to Karan and Elvish’s Mexican basket trio signaled exceptional execution — something never seen before on the show. While audience votes decided the winner, his endorsement amplified their credibility, especially when other pairs struggled with flavor balance or timing.
Was the finale really filmed in June 2025?
Yes. Multiple sources, including the show’s production team, confirmed filming wrapped in June 2025. But the broadcast was delayed until November 23, 2025, likely due to channel scheduling. This gap allowed rumors to spread unchecked, especially on YouTube and entertainment blogs that treated filming dates as air dates.
What’s the significance of the 51 vs 38 star count?
The star count — 51 for Karan-Elvish, 38 for Aly-Reem — was the actual vote tally from the 50 judges. Each judge could award up to two stars per dish, making a maximum of 100 possible. The 51-star margin was decisive, suggesting a clear audience preference. It also contradicts claims that Aly-Reem "topped the STARS chart," which likely referred to weekly popularity, not final scores.
