Mumbai, September 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Television host and DJ Nikhil Chinapa, who is returning as a Gang Leader in the 21st season of ‘MTV Roadies’, says he misses the original version of the reality show, describing its early years as a “whole different era” filled with fun and unpredictability.
Speaking to IANS, Nikhil said his return to the show feels special and that he is excited about the journey ahead.
“It feels surreal to be coming back as a gang leader and I’m very excited for this journey. I do miss the OG version of Roadies, it was so much fun! It was a whole different era,” he said.
Nikhil added that the show stands apart from other reality programmes because of the way its challenges test contestants in different ways.
“Coming back to MTV Roadies feels a bit like coming home. I’ve experienced the show from almost every angle. I’ve been involved in selecting contestants, judging them, and eventually becoming a Gang Leader and a winner,” he said.
For Nikhil, one of the show’s defining features has always been its focus on ordinary contestants rather than established celebrities. He said people from different backgrounds can audition and earn their place on the show.
“Anyone, from anywhere, can show up, audition and earn their place. And sometimes, an ordinary person walks into that audition room and walks out of that season a household name. That’s the transformative power of the show,” he said.
Nikhil said he is particularly looking forward to being part of the experience alongside his friend Rannvijay and fellow original Gang Leaders while witnessing a new generation of contestants take on the ‘Roadies’ challenge.
“To be part of that journey with my friend Rannvijay and my fellow OG gang leaders, and to experience it with a whole new generation of Roadies, is something I’m genuinely excited about,” he said.
The upcoming season features six Gang Leaders, including Nikhil Chinapa, Neha Dhupia, Prince Narula, Abhishek Malhan, Bani J and Baseer Ali.
Nikhil has been associated with MTV India since the late 1990s and has featured in several television shows, including ‘Roadies’ and ‘Splitsvilla’. He is also widely credited with helping popularise electronic dance music (EDM) among young audiences in India.
He has played a significant role in establishing DJing as a profession in the country and was associated with the music scene at the Sunburn Festival during its early years.
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