Aarti Sequeira's Behind-the-Scenes Journey to Stardom

Go behind the scenes of The Next Food Network Star with Season 6 (2010) winner Aarti Sequeria.

Photo By: Peter Thron

Food Network Star, Season 6: Aarti Sequeira

Born in India, raised in Dubai and now living in Los Angeles, Aarti Sequeria cooked comforting food with exotic flair and spice during the 2010 season: "I play around with Indian flavors and figure out how to add them to American classics, to add an element of surprise and freshness!"

Over Their Heads

Prep for this season's Food Network Star took several months and dozens of people. The shoot in Los Angeles added a layer of new sights and scenes, chef stunts and surprises.

Dancing Around the Competition

Becoming a star was no joke, but Aarti did find some time to have fun with Dzintra Dzenis in the studio kitchen.

It's Not Where You Start

After taking their places on the Star set in the premiere episode, the 12 finalists (Aarti, far right) anxiously awaited instructions for their first test of culinary skill. Aarti made a shaky debut with an under-cooked Roasted Chicken Breasts with Orange, Cardamom and Turmeric but impressed mentor Giada De Laurentiis with her presentation.

Focused on the Task at Hand

Aarti tended her skillet with determined concentration in Week 2's Santa Monica Pier Star Challenge.

Dishing It Up

Aarti's warmth came through as she prepared a plate and bantered with guests at the pier.

Bright Lights, Tinsel City

During the Week 3 Camera Challenge, clamoring paparazzi didn't faze Aarti as she made her red-carpet entrance at the Highlands in Hollywood.

Table Talk

Aarti took a moment to catch up with Aria Kagan and Dzintra Dzenis, while Brad Sorenson visited with a guest during the Week 3 "Grammy Party" Star Challenge.

Eye on the Prize

Aarti's head was in the game as she prepared a filet dish featuring serrano-papaya salsa in Week 4.

Aarti in a Jar

During Week 5 the finalists were asked to create a food product in a jar. Aarti made a Tandoori Marinade that impressed the judges.

Get the Recipe: Aarti's Easy Tandoori Chicken

Down Time

Aarti, Brianna Jenkins and Tom Pizzica enjoy a quiet moment before more culinary-challenge chaos kicks in.

Aarti Hits a Wall

In Week 7 the finalists competed at Frank Sinatra's estate in Palm Springs, where they had to serve a retro dish for a group of special guests. Aarti's curried deviled egg dish didn't go over well.

Turn of Events

At Palm Springs she found herself in the bottom three for the first time, but she survived the scare.

A Comeback Worthy of Sinatra

Aarti won the Camera Challenge in Week and here learns she'll be the team leader in the Star Challenge.

Week 8 Family Reunion

The five remaining finalists check out the Star set, outfitted with individual stations featuring signs with each hopeful's point of view. The surprise? Their families are waiting off-camera to bring them their least favorite ingredient to use in the next challenge!

Her Biggest Fan

Aarti takes a moment for some TLC with her husband, Brendan, before jumping back in the trenches for the next challenge.

Final Four Take Manhattan

Aria, Herb, Tom and Aarti take a breather in Central Park before battling it out.

Dueling Chefs

A hopeful quartet stands at the ready in Food Network's Iron Chef stadium at Chelsea Market.

Slow Goes the Flow

The judges worry that Aarti won't finish in time because of her cool and calm manner, but she prefers taking her time and thinking her dishes through.

Tortoise Wins the Race

Aarti's diligence paid off with three wow-worthy dishes. The Iron Chefs' praise elicited this reaction of surprise.

Finale: A Ray of Advice

Rachael Ray gives Aarti feedback on her ideas for the pilot dish and its presentation.

Calm Before the Storm

Aarti takes a moment to collect herself before a take.

Waiting Game

The three finalists watch as a focus group reviews their pilots. Though they can see the reactions, they're not allowed to hear any comments.

Judges Deliberate

Before the selection committee announces the winner, it's business as usual on the evaluation front.

Time to Party, Aarti

The Season 6 Food Network Star is Aarti Sequeira! Judge and Food Network general manager Bob Tuschman gives his next Food Star a congratulatory hug.