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Manimegalai quits as host of Cooku with Comali show over tiff with contestant who ‘often forgets she is a cook’: ‘Deliberately interrupts anchor’
Without naming her directly, Manimegalai took potshots at a contestant who, she claimed, was acting like the host and interfering with her role.

Renowned television presenter and video jockey Manimegalai has stepped down from hosting the comedy-based cooking competition show Cooku with Comali due to a dispute with “another female anchor” who was “supposed to be a cook” on the show. Emphasising the importance of self-respect, Manimegalai announced her departure via social media. She had been part of the show since its premiere in 2019.
Posting a picture from the puja ceremony of one of the show’s seasons on social media, she wrote on Sunday, “Not a part of Cook With Comali anymore,” adding that she had always approached her work with sincerity, honesty and dedication, putting in her full effort. “But nothing is more important than self-respect! I strictly follow that in all stages of my life. Even fame, money, profession, opportunities or whatever, never mind. Everything is secondary when it comes to self-respect. Hence I walked away from CWC,” she noted.
Without naming her directly, Manimegalai took potshots at a contestant who, she claimed, was acting like the host and interfering with her role. “This season was completely dominated by another female anchor, especially in the anchors part, who was actually supposed to be a cook of the show, but she often forgets that and deliberately interrupts a lot in anchor portions by not letting me do the job,” she said. Fans, however, quickly identified this person as television presenter, host and actor Priyanka Deshpande.
Manimegalai also alleged that even raising concerns or asserting one’s rights had become an issue this season. “I have been in this field since 2010. This is my 15th year as an anchor. Had ups and downs but never experienced such immature behaviours,” she noted. Nevertheless, she wished the person in question well, adding, “May god bless her with more shows and opportunities so that others will not suffer. Live and let live.”
Check out Manimegalai’s post here:
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Manimegalai’s journey with Cooku with Comali began in its first season in 2019, when she started as a Comali. She continued in that role through seasons two and three before becoming a co-host in season four. In the ongoing fifth season, which premiered on April 27, 2024, she returned as co-host with TV presenter Rakshan. Cooku with Comali airs on Star Vijay and streams on Disney+ Hotstar.


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