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Reality Ranis of the Jungle returns with wilder twists and fiercer challenges
MUMBAI: The jungle drums are beating louder. Warner Bros. Discovery has brought back its all-women adventure reality show ‘Reality Ranis of the Jungle’ for a high-octane second season, now set against the rugged backdrop of Goa’s coastline.
Premiered on 22 September at 9:30 pm on Discovery Channel and discovery plus, the show raises the stakes with tougher challenges, wilder tasks and double the drama. Host Varun Sood returns with his trademark energy, guiding 12 new contestants as they battle it out for the title of “Reality Rani of the Jungle”.
This season’s line-up features Archana Gautam, Bhavya Singh, Hiiya Bajwa, Irina Rudakova, Ishu Kashyap, Jayshree Roy, Nishu Kashyap, Prachi Shevgaonkar, Sanskruti Salunke (Sasa), Samyukta Hegde, Sara Gurpal and Scarlett Rose. Adding a dose of unpredictability, Rakhi Sawant joins as a surprise guest, promising extra chaos and comedy.
From swimming back to shore after being dropped into the ocean, to enduring gut-wrenching tasks like being buried underground or holding sheep eyeballs in their mouths, the Ranis face raw survival mixed with shocking twists. Along the way, friendships form, betrayals sting and grit is tested to its limits.
“Reality-adventure has emerged as one of the most dynamic genres in entertainment,” said Warner Bros. Discovery, managing director – south Asia, Arjun Nohwar. “Season 2 blends bold spectacle with authentic storytelling, taking the format to a bigger scale.”
Banijay Asia & Endemolshine India, group COO, Rishi Negi added, “This season is bolder, more unpredictable and packed with emotional depth, redefining adventure entertainment for Indian audiences.”
Ahead of the premiere, Varun Sood and the contestants rolled up their sleeves for a beach clean-up at Juhu, reinforcing the show’s coastal survival theme, before bringing their energy to NM college fest Umang.
As Discovery marks 40 years globally and 30 years in India, the show underscores its legacy of bold, pathbreaking storytelling.
With higher stakes, rawer grit and wilder twists, ‘Reality Ranis of the Jungle – Season 2’ is set to prove that survival is not just about strength, but about spirit.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
