Reality television in India is undergoing a reset, and JioStar wants to be at the centre of that change. In an exclusive conversation withIndia Today, Alok Jain, a senior executive at JioStar, spoke about the return ofKhatron Ke Khiladi, the restructuring ofBigg Boss, and the broadcaster’s larger ambition of creating Indian formats with global potential.

Putting an end to speculation aroundKhatron Ke Khiladi, Jain confirmed that the popular stunt-based reality show will return in 2026 after the Indian Premier League.“We will getKhatron Ke Khiladiaround the same timeline as we always do. The new season will happen this year after the IPL. We are already working on it. We will definitely be back around June to August,” he said.

The absence ofBigg Boss OTTlast year had disappointed many fans, but Jain explained that the decision was part of a larger shift in viewing behaviour. According to him, the distinction between television and digital audiences is fast disappearing.

“There was a time when we had two shows — one on TV and one on OTT. But our learning is that the world is becoming one. Today, the audience is merging. When the world is merging, the show also needed to be merged,” Jain said, explaining whyBigg Bosswill now exist as a single format available across screens rather than separate TV and OTT versions.

He added that the unified format gives viewers more freedom. “You can watch it with your family on TV or catch it digitally. We have a very screen-agnostic approach, and that’s why we think the show can become bigger,” he said, confirming that going forward there will be only one HindiBigg Bossseason each year.

Beyond marquee franchises, Jain said JioStar is consciously expanding its non-fiction slate. Shows likeLaughter Chefs,Pati Patni Aur PangaandDance Deewanecontinue to perform strongly on Colors TV, while youth-focused formats such asRoadies,SplitsvillaandHustleare drawing younger audiences.

Crucially, Jain stressed that the company does not want to rely only on adaptations. “We want to cut across. Our efforts are to adapt some international shows but also work on home-grown formats,” he said. “We want to create an Indian IP that can go global. I think the time has come for India to go to the world.”

WithKhatron Ke Khiladireturning,Bigg Bossstreamlined, and a renewed push for original formats, JioStar’s strategy signals a clear shift — fewer but bigger franchises, designed not just for Indian screens, but for global audiences as well.