22 April,2026 05:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Nikki Tamboli and Abhishek Malhan
A fresh wave of excitement surrounds Battleground season 2, as Nikki Tamboli steps in as a mentor for the latest season. Known for her bold personality and strong screen presence, Nikki's entry has already created a buzz among fans, promising to bring both intensity and entertainment to the competition
Having made a lasting impact with her stint on Bigg Boss 14, Fear Factor, Khatron Ke Khiladi, Celebrity MasterChef and more, Nikki has emerged as a prominent name in the industry for an apologetic attitude and fearless approach. Her transition into the role of a mentor marks an exciting new phase in her journey, positioning her as a guide who can inspire contestants to push their limits and stay mentally strong under pressure.
This season of Battleground features a dynamic panel of mentors, each bringing their own expertise and personalities to the table alongside Nikki.
The show includes popular names like Priyanka Chahar Chaudhary, Abhishek Malhan, and Khesari Lal Yadav. This diverse lineup is expected to elevate the level of competition while offering a unique perspective and strategies to the contestants.
With such a strong mix of mentors, the show is said to witness a refreshing shift, blending mentorship with high-voltage entertainment. Each mentor brings a distinct style, whether it's Priyanka's strong-headed approach, Abhishek's connection with the youth or Khesari Lal Yadav's mass appeal.
As soon as Nikki joined the set, an unexpected situation led to an altercation between her and Abhishek Malhan. However, the cause of the fight is not known.
News18 Showsha reported that during the verbal sparring, they both stood their ground and expressed their viewpoints firmly, which gradually escalated into a loud and heated exchange, catching the attention of everyone present on set.
A source close to the show told News18 Showsha that "Nikki Tamboli's entry itself created a lot of buzz and slight tension, and things escalated pretty quickly when she and Abhishek Malhan, aka Fukra Insaan, got into a heated verbal argument. It didn't just end there; even during the game, they reportedly clashed again, and this time it got so intense that Fukra Insaan walked off the set, which actually brought the shoot to a halt for a while. The whole atmosphere apparently became very charged, with others around also getting involved, trying to manage the situation."
The report of Abhishek Malhan walking off during the shoot has further increased the intrigue around the incident. Sources suggest that the shoot had to be paused due to the situation spiralling, making it one of the most talked-about moments from the ongoing season.