By SRTeam Since its launch in 2003, MTV Roadies has become India’s ultimate adventure reality franchise—testing contestants with daring physical stunts, mental challenges, emotional dilemmas, and high-voltage drama. Over 20 seasons, the show has unearthed extraordinary individuals—Rannvijay, Ayushmann Khurrana, Prince Narula, and more—who have gone on to become celebrities, influencers, and symbols of resilience. Blending raw grit with emotional storytelling, Roadies remains one of the most culturally influential formats in Indian television.
MTV Roadies Show Theme & Format
Roadies is built around a journey—literally and metaphorically. Contestants travel across India and abroad, facing suspense‑charged tasks that involve physical endurance, tricky alliances, moral choices, and strategic gameplay. Each season is anchored by a charismatic host—often Sonu Sood in recent years—and a team of “gang leaders” who mentor and guide contestants. Players undergo auditions, gang selections, vote‑outs, twists like wildcards or double‑cross rounds, and finales decided by union of task performance, mentor decisions, and public voting. The prize includes cash, vehicles, or cause-based rewards—paired with national fame.
🏆 MTV Roadies Winners & Runner‑ups by Season
| Season | Year | Winner(s) & Gang | Runner‑up(s) / Notes |
| 1 | 2003 | Rannvijay Singha | Runner‑up not officially documented |
| 2 | 2004 | Ayushmann Khurrana | — |
| 3 | 2005 | Parul Shahi | Rahul Sharma (runner‑up) |
| 4 | 2006–07 | Anthony Yeh | Gurbani Judge (runner‑up) |
| 5 | 2007–08 | Ashutosh Kaushik | Runner‑up Nihal Nikam |
| 6 | 2008–09 | Nauman Sait | Runner‑up Lonkiri Timung |
| 7 | 2009–10 | Anwar Syed | Runner‑up Zaid bin Nazir |
| 8 | 2011 | Aanchal Khurana | Runner‑up Mohit Saggar |
| 9 | 2012 | Vikas Khoker | Runner‑up Himani Sharma |
| 10 | 2013 | Palak Johal | Runner‑up Ramandeep Kaur Dhillon |
| 11 | 2014 | Nikhil Sachdeva | Runner‑up Utkarsh Khanna |
| 12 | 2015 | Prince Narula | Runner‑up Gurmeet Rehal |
| 13 | 2016 | Balraj Singh Khehra | Runner‑up Navdeesh K. Singh |
| 14 | 2017 | Shweta Mehta | Runner‑up Baseer Ali |
| 15 | 2018 | Kashish Thakur Pundir | Runner‑up not always reported |
| 16 | 2019 | Kashish Thakur Pundir (some sources); also Real Heroes season 17 winner Arun Sharma next year—skip | |
| 17 | 2019 | Arun Sharma | Runner‑up Ankita Pathak |
| 18 | 2022 | Ashish Bhatia & Nandini G | First-ever dual winners; runner‑ups Jashwanth Bopanna & Yukti Arora |
| 19 | 2023 | Vashu Jain (Gang Rhea) | Runner‑up Siwet Tomar (Gang Prince) |
| 20 | 2025* | Kushal “Gullu” Tanwar (Gang Elvish Yadav) | Runner‑up Hartaaj Gill |
*Season 20 (also called Roadies XX) concluded June 2025.
MTV Roadies Season 1 (2003)
The launch of Roadies with Cyrus Sahukar saw Rannvijay Singha win the premiere season. The show traveled from Chennai to Chail, challenging young contestants with unconventional tasks and public vote‑outs. Rannvijay’s charismatic leadership and resilience made him stand out—and he later became the face of Roadies as host and gang leader. The raw, unscripted energy set the tone for future seasons.
MTV Roadies Season 2 (2004)
Hosted by Rannvijay Singha himself, Season 2 crowned Ayushmann Khurrana as the winner, well before his Bollywood breakthrough. The tour extended through India with emotional and physical challenges, and Ayushmann’s blend of fearlessness and emotional depth made him memorable. Though the runner‑up is undocumented, his win launched a star career beyond reality TV.
MTV Roadies Season 3 (2005)
“Triple the Danger” continued intensifying tasks across Jaisalmer to Leh. Parul Shahi became the first woman and first contestant from the North East to win, beating Rahul Sharma in the finale. Her victory amplified inclusivity in Roadies and inspired many women to join subsequent seasons.
MTV Roadies Season 4 (2006–07)
Anthony Yeh won this India‑based season, defeating runner‑up Gurbani Judge. His humble and grounded nature resonated with audiences. The season focused on inner strength and visible character growth, maintaining Roadies’ core ethos of transformation through trials.
MTV Roadies Season 5 (2007–08)
Set in India, Thailand and Malaysia, Season 5 featured 20 contestants battling across international terrain. Ashutosh Kaushik emerged champion, defeating Nihal Nikam. His bold persona and adaptability made him a fan favorite and previous Bigg Boss winner. His Roadies win helped define a more aggressive competitive style.
MTV Roadies Season 6 (2008–09)
Titled “Hell Down Under,” this Australia‑set season was won by Nauman Sait, with Lonkiri Timung as runner‑up. Nauman’s physicality and challenge handling impressed judges; the season helped Roadies expand its global footprint.
MTV Roadies Season 7 (2009–10)
Based in Kenya and Egypt with the theme “7 Deadly Sins & 1 Wild Safari,” Anwar Syed came out on top over Zaid bin Nazir. Anwar’s MBA background and composed gameplay added strategic depth to the show’s physical focus.
MTV Roadies Season 8 (2011)
Shot in Brazil, this season crowned Aanchal Khurana—second woman winner—over Mohit Saggar. Aanchal’s strong presence and discipline in tasks won hearts. Her post‑Roadies acting career showed how the show nurtures multi‑talented personalities.
MTV Roadies Season 9 (2012)
“Everything or Nothing” took contestants across India and the U.S. Vikas Khoker won with grit and tactical mindset, defeating Himani Sharma. His calm under pressure highlighted Roadies’ evolving maturity.
MTV Roadies Season 10 (2013)
Named “Battle for Glory,” this India‑focused edition saw Palak Johal win over Ramandeep Kaur Dhillon. Palak became the third woman winner, showcasing that mental strength and perseverance matter as much as brawn.
MTV Roadies Season 11 (2014)
Set in the Himalayas, Season 11 was won by Nikhil Sachdeva—who overcame personal struggles—and Utkarsh Khanna was runner‑up. Nikhil’s fitness transformation story gave emotional weight to his victory.
MTV Roadies Season 12 (2015)
“X2: Your Road, Your Gang” introduced gang leaders. Prince Narula’s gang won, with him as champion despite being a contestant‑turned‑leader, and Gurmeet Rehal as runner‑up. Prince’s dominance and charisma reshaped the Roadies format.
MTV Roadies Season 13 (2016)
“X4: Your Gang, Your Glory” featured international travel to Bhutan. Karan Kundrra’s gang member Balraj Singh Khehra won over Navdeesh Singh. Physical fitness and strategy were decisive—Balraj’s season defined athletic excellence.
MTV Roadies Season 14 (2017)
“Roadies Rising” featured Neha Dhupia as gang leader. Shweta Mehta won in an emotional final over Baseer Ali. Her comeback from personal trauma made her win deeply inspiring. The season was hailed for intense storytelling and contestant arcs.
MTV Roadies Season 15 (2018)
“Xtreme” returned with Rannvijay as host. Kashish Thakur Pundir won, though runner‑up is less publicized. Kashish’s fitness and mental toughness fuelled her journey through demanding tasks.
MTV Roadies Season 16 / Real Heroes (2019)
Rebranded as “Real Heroes,” Season 17 crowned Arun Sharma, a wildcard entrant, defeating Ankita Pathak. He competed for a social cause and won national admiration. The season focused on compassion and purpose along with challenges.
MTV Roadies Season 18 (2022)
Roadies traveled to South Africa under host Sonu Sood. Ashish Bhatia and Nandini G became the first-ever dual winners. Jashwanth Bopanna & Yukti Arora were first runner‑ups. The season embraced cooperation and celebration of diverse talent.
MTV Roadies Season 19: Karm Ya Kaand (2023)
Hosted by Sonu Sood, with gang leaders Rhea Chakraborty, Prince Narula, and Gautam Gulati, Vashu Jain (Gang Rhea) emerged champion over runner‑up Siwet Tomar (Gang Prince). The season combined high-voltage stunts with narrative arcs of redemption and teamwork.
MTV Roadies Season 20: Roadies XX (2025)
In the most recent season (aired early 2025), Kushal Tanwar aka Gullu (from gang led by Elvish Yadav) won the title, narrowly defeating first runner‑up Hartaaj Gill by just 32 seconds in the final task. The win was followed by controversies—Hartaaj claimed favoritism—but Gullu’s consistent performance and fan support ultimately secured his triumph.
Conclusion
Across two decades and 20 seasons, MTV Roadies has charted the evolution of youth ambition in India—from raw physical endurance to socially conscious heroes, from undervalued underdogs to transformative women leaders. Winners like Rannvijay, Ayushmann, Parul, Prince, and Gullu reflect different eras and values—bravery, authenticity, resilience, and purpose. Roadies continues to attract millions for its emotional arcs, jaw‑dropping tasks, and real‑life stories. As Season 20 concludes, the roadmap is clear: who will own the Roadies legacy next?