Wed Apr 1, 2026 | Updated 08:30 AM IST HZ Awards 2026
The stage is set for the return of television’s most cutthroat reality show, with Karan Johar once again taking the reins as host. This time, the drama is moving away from the usual locales, trading its old set for the magnificent Suryagarh Palace in Jaisalmer. This change of venue instantly signals a darker, grander, and higher-stakes game for everyone involved. As of now, the makers have not confirmed anything.
If the circulating names are anything to go by, Season 2 could bring together an eclectic mix, seasoned actors, digital creators, and reality TV regulars known for playing the game hard. Here’s a look at who might be entering the palace, if the buzz is to be believed.
Fans recognise him instantly from his iconic villainous turn in ‘Baazigar’, or more recently as Manoj Bajpayee’s overbearing boss in ‘The Family Man’. Tahil carries decades of heavy-hitting acting experience.
She conquered ‘Bigg Boss 4’ and weathered the storms of ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 11’, ‘Nach Baliye’, and ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’. She boasts a fiercely dedicated fanbase and a famously straightforward attitude.
The stand-up comedian currently boasts an unbroken streak of reality television victories, snatching the winner's trophy on both ‘Lock Upp’ and ‘Bigg Boss 17’. He knows exactly how to read a room, manipulate alliances, and talk his way out of tight corners.
Bollywood’s boldest diva is officially making her OTT comeback. Famous for her fearless roles in both Hindi and international cinema, Mallika was last seen in 2024's ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’. Throwing her into the mix guarantees a heavy dose of glamour and pure unpredictability.
Digital sensation Elvish Yadav knows exactly how to work a camera. He won ‘Bigg Boss OTT 2’, popped up on ‘MTV Roadies XX’, and currently stars on ‘Laughter Chefs’. He brings a massive, vocal fanbase and a notoriously sharp tongue that will undoubtedly ruffle some feathers.
Art collector and socialite Shalini Passi broke onto the reality scene during Netflix’s ‘Fabulous Lives Vs Bollywood Wives’ in 2024.
It seems Sanjay is following in his wife's footsteps. Maheep Kapoor took a swing at Season 1, and now the veteran film and web series actor is stepping up to the plate. He teased fans with talk of new beginnings on his Instagram earlier this year, pretty much cementing the rumours of his participation.
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Another ‘Bigg Boss’ champion enters the show. The Season 14 winner has a rock-solid background in reality TV and recently appeared in ‘Pati Patni Aur Panga’ alongside her husband Abhinav Shukla. Rubina is known for her sheer resilience, making her a very tough out for anyone trying to vote her off.
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YouTube star Abhishek Malhan, known to millions as Fukra Insaan, was the runner-up on ‘Bigg Boss OTT 2’. Putting these two massive internet personalities back into the same confined space guarantees brilliant television and a revived rivalry.
Known for films like ‘Half Girlfriend’ and ‘Jalebi’, Rhea Chakraborty is marking another major step in her career comeback.
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Actress and sharp-minded entrepreneur Parul Gulati is making her reality TV debut. She currently runs the massively successful Nish Hair brand and recently starred in ‘Tu Yaa Main’.
Rounding out the rumoured list is comedian Aaditya Kulshreshth. Every tense reality show needs a pressure valve, and his sharp humour fits the bill perfectly.
The premise is beautifully simple but completely ruthless. A cast of celebrities moves into a lavish estate to play a high-stakes game of deception. Most of the players act as ‘the Faithful,’ and during the day, the entire group works together to complete physical and mental challenges that build up a shared cash prize.
But behind closed doors, a small, hand-picked group of players acts as ‘the Traitors.’ Each night, these saboteurs meet in secret to ‘murder’ one of the Faithful, kicking them out of the game immediately.
If the Faithful successfully hunt down every single Traitor by the finale, they split the hard-earned cash. However, if even one Traitor slips through to the end unnoticed, they steal every last penny for themselves.
The first season of the Indian adaptation also took place against the stunning backdrop of Rajasthan. It delivered on all the promised backstabbing, ultimately ending with reality star Uorfi Javed and professional poker player Nikita Luther successfully navigating the chaos to take home the prize.
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