Roadies Rebirth: Kolkata auditions set the stage for a new battle

Hosted by Original Gangster Roadie Rannvijay Singha, the season will see Nikhil Chinapa, Neha Dhupia and Prince Yuvika Narula form the OG group, while Abhishek Malhan, Bani J and Baseer Ali make up the NewG gang.

Singha said the new format would explore the show's evolution across two decades.

"This season is the 21st season, and two decades with two generations have passed," he said. "In 'Roadies Rebirth', we will define the DNA of Roadies and who will be the next Roadie.”

He added that the show had consistently adapted to changing times.

“There’s one thing about roadies: we keep adapting and evolving,” Singha said.

OGs versus NewGs

The new format brings together the experience of the OG Gang Leaders and the newer approaches of the NewG leaders, creating a fresh dynamic for contestants competing for a place in the journey.

Neha Dhupia said Kolkata had brought a distinct energy to the auditions, while emphasising that physical strength alone would not be enough to become a Roadie.

“Kolkata brings in a different energy that is a lot more diverse and a lot more creative,” she said. “We always say that you have to show your strength in Roadies, but for a Roadie to be made, strength alone is not enough.”

Nikhil Chinapa said he would look for contestants who could maintain balance and respond appropriately to different situations.

“I would like those Roadies in my gang who have a good vibe,” he said. “That balance comes from being able to know when to shout, when to shut up, when to be strong and when to be gentle, when to use brute force and when to use social skills.”

Prince Yuvika Narula said the NewG leaders could have an advantage because they would not carry the expectations associated with previous seasons.

“I am very excited for the NewGs, because they have a new mind,” he said. “We, the OGs, have to prove to the audience that our strategies are different and we have to show a different side of us.”

Aspirants take on the challenge

The Kolkata auditions witnessed a large turnout of young aspirants, with only a select few moving forward to the next round.

Ahead of the auditions, first-time NewG Gang Leader Baseer Ali spent time in the city meeting young aspirants, interacting with college students and meeting fans at a café. He also distributed a few ‘Jump the Queue’ passes to promising talents.

Ali said he would prioritise teamwork while selecting contestants.

“I’m looking for team players, because to become a star player, it’s very important to be a good team player,” he said.

He added that contestants would need to be good listeners and observers while understanding the tasks, politics and dynamics within their assigned gangs.

For the aspiring contestants in Kolkata, the auditions offered an opportunity to demonstrate their determination, personality and ability to push beyond their limits as they competed for a place in the next generation of 'Roadies'.