Sandeep Singh is also ‘Fun’ Singh

Mona

Advertisement

Traversing through coastal Kerala to hills in Karnataka amongst the picturesque Nilgiris, MTV Roadies is going to step into its 16th with ‘real heroes’. In its real ‘garh’ – Chandigarh, the show host Rannvijay Singh lorded over the Indradhanush Auditorium that was teeming with youngsters lined up for auditions and group discussion.

Real heroes? “No audition, no GD, these are the people who have made a difference in the society and step into Roadies. Here, we are looking for contestants who can match these heroes in another exciting journey,” quips Rannvijay. With him are the gang leaders Neha Dhupia, Nikhil Chinappa, Prince Narula, Raftaar and legendary hockey player Sandeep Singh.

Amongst all the clatter and clapping, the stars shared their take on one of the longest-running reality show on Indian telly.

What a journey 

The winner of the very first Roadies Rannvijay Singh has enjoyed 15 years on it and counting. “I have been a contestant here, a winner, a show host and a leader and a judge, now I just come to see all the fun,” says he in jest. “Had my role been staple, probably I would have been bored but each season the position changes and the locale, I just love it.”

Looking for contestants, he clears; it’s not just physically, mentally strong youngsters that Roadies wants. “We want those who are fun. We go to such lovely regions of the country, together on this trip, we want to enjoy and make the most along with the tasks and competition.”

Neha, version II 

Neha Dhupia is back in season 16, much to everyone’s surprise since she is a new mom, “Even I am surprised,” says a happy, glowing she. With a choice between Roadies, a film and sitting at home, she chose the first, “The show set is like another home where I can take Mehr, work and nurse her (we have more coffee breaks now, pitches in Rannvijay) and make the most of the two worlds.” Ask her on her strategy to beat the competition, “To let Prince (Narula) work and steal his contestant, hamne to kaam nahi karna,” she laughs.

Very own Chandigarh boy

The unchallenged ‘prince’ of reality shows – Chandigarh’s own Prince Narula – is as much looking forward to steer his gang to win as much to know and learn more from sports star Sandeep Singh, “He and the real heroes take the motivation level way up, I am looking forward to know his life beyond Soorma.”

Every show is new 

Seasoned Roadie Nikhil Chinappa insists that while being a gang leader one can steer the contestants but ultimately it’s their journey, their show.  A new parent, just like Neha, he insists that he has newfound respect for women now, “All that women do and handle life along with motherhood is no less than a miracle.”

Raftaar is back 

Raftaar comes back to the show as an experienced leader, “On my first outing, I was too emotional. It’s only with time I learnt how not to go blindly by what the contestants say.” The ‘real heroes’ truly lift the show to another level, he insists.