22 July,2025 08:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Letty Mariam Abraham
Rannvijay Singha
He began his career with the cult reality show Roadies, and since then, Rannvijay Singha has become synonymous with youth-based reality television. Over the years, he's hosted several shows and acted in films and web series, but he admits that hosting remains his "bread and butter." Now, he steps into new territory as the host of Chhoriyan Chali Gaon, his first general entertainment channel (GEC) show. The reality series follows 12 women from urban backgrounds as they move to a remote village near Bhopal to test their survival skills and adapt to the rural lifestyle. In a conversation with mid-day, Singha discusses the concept, the rural-urban exchange the show encourages, and why acting isn't something he chases anymore.
Excerpts from an interview.
What drew you to the show?
As you know, I have been on reality shows [for a long time]. The one thing I look for in a concept is, âAre people going to be out of their comfort zone?' In reality shows, they are not expected to act, especially in the shows I have done earlier. There are fresh people who are not seen anywhere else. We are auditioning new people; they come on the show, and after that, they rise to fame. They are not seasoned actors. To survive without the support of family, soulmate and best friends [is the task]. All of us who live in the cities are so used to [the comforts]. We think we work hard, but we don't realise that we have a lot of convenience that has been taken for granted. We are spoiled by multiple screens, delivery apps, and even drinking cold water is so convenient. At the same time, in a village, one probably has to get from the matka; if that is empty, then a hand pump or the village well. Whether one can do it or not is not the situation; but how they thrive through it or give up in a difficult situation is what we are seeing. It is ultimately not an artificial concept. Millions are living in a village, and some people may say that they can do it, but it does take a toll.
What does everyone gain from this?
While it's true that these girls will get to learn a lot, it is also an [experiment] where the village [dwellers] will also learn a lot from the interaction. Going back to the roots and culture will be interesting to see, especially the connection between urban and rural. I have a gaonwala in me and I am very proud of it. To be one with nature, live in unpolluted air and have more space to walk and play around is a good thing. Plus, no one is alone in a village, unlike in the city. Good or bad, people get involved in your lives in a village, whereas in a city, even if it is crowded, you are alone.
Will you be experiencing all the tasks before the contestants do?
Yes. This is the first time I am working on [a] big reality show on a GEC. Seeing how I operate is probably why they wanted me to host it. I used to go back to my village in Jalandhar, we spent our summer vacations there. I [am] looking forward to getting into the routine myself. I feel it will be awesome.
How do you think reality shows have evolved since you started?
If you see cricket back in 2003, it was different from what it is right now. When I ventured into reality shows as a contestant, we didn't have all this. We didn't spend three-four hours on our screen looking at content that entertains you. When we got bored, we caught up with friends. It's not about good or bad, reality shows you what is real in the current scenario. This is how people talk, listen to, how they dress, the lingo now. This is not [about] make-believe characters or skits. From 2003 to 2025, the whole world and how it operates has changed. Back in the day we had not seen reality shows. Everyone watches it now; they know what to say and do. Earlier, they would be scared to say something on screen, wondering what their parents would say, now people are not so hesitant. They are not camera-shy. People now are more prepared on what to say, dress, and the image they wish to portray. There is a huge difference. They are confident that they can give content for the show [laughs].
What was your discussion with the people from the village where this will be shot?
I discussed a lot with the recce and Zee team, who have interacted with the people from the village. I have seen some videos, and I feel there are some really good and entertaining characters. Their children have gone to cities to study medicine, architecture, and engineering, and have come back. It's not like they don't have a choice, but they've chosen to come back, are prosperous, and help others to do well too. They have a lot of time in their hands and were excited with [this venture].
With all the hosting work, don't you miss acting?
I do a bit of acting every now and then. The best part of acting today is you have TV, the 70mm screen, and OTT which offers a lot of avenues. Every year I do a couple of things. Hosting is my bread and butter, and acting is the cherry on top. It is something I do when I feel like the character resonates with me. I am not basing my survival on somebody writing, producing, directing, and casting me. I believe my control is in my art.
